Extensive Renal Destruction due to Severe Emphysematous Pyelonephritis

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a severe necrotizing infection of the kidney characterized by the presence of gas in renal parenchyma, collecting system or perinephric tissue. It can be life threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. We have reported the case of a 56-year-old woman with a previous history of diabetes mellitus, who was suffering from left-sided flank pain and fever. Diagnosis workup revealed an extensive destruction of the left kidney secondary to an EPN. We opted for a left nephrectomy and intravenous antibiotics. The immediate postoperative course was uncomplicated but the patient developed a chronic renal failure within 1 year.