[Emphysematous cystitis. Apropos of a case].

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare complication of lower urinary tract infection, occurring almost exclusively in diabetic women. The prognosis, usually good, depends on early diagnosis and prompt treatment which consists of urinary drainage, antibiotic therapy and strict blood glucose control. The authors report a case of emphysematous cystitis diagnosed on laparotomy for acute abdomen. Death occurred despite treatment.