Importance of obtaining a detailed medical history in diagnosing emphysematous cystitis.

Pneumaturia has long been known to be the characteristic pathognomonic finding in emphysematous cystitis. However, its history is often difficult to elicit. Imaging studies are diagnostic in the majority of emphysematous cystitis cases described in the literature. The authors present a unique case in which the patient did not admit having pneumaturia until detailed questioning about her medical history was completed after diagnostic imaging. Had an earlier and more thorough medical history been conducted, the patient's diagnosis would have been achieved several months earlier, before presentation to the emergency department, as described in the present case. Early diagnosis is vital to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with emphysematous cystitis.