Air in the Water: A Case of Emphysematous Cystitis and Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare and potentially fatal complication of urinary tract infections. We present a case of bacterial emphysematous cystitis in a 59-year-old woman who presented with behavioral changes, aggression, visual hallucinations, unintentional weight loss, fecal incontinence, and occasional diarrhea for 2 months. The diagnosis was suspected by abdominal ultrasound and confirmed by abdominal computed tomography. This highlights the importance of imaging as a diagnostic tool for emphysematous cystitis, particularly point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department, due to its sensitivity and freedom from radiation.