Emphysematous Pyelonephritis: Radiologic Diagnosis

Abstract

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPP) is a severe and necrotizing form of acute bacterial pyelonephritis with a life-threatening outcome. It is a rare condition, occurring preferentially in diabetic patients and linked to the development of anaerobic germs. There is a predominance of women (2/1). The CT scan is the best technique, which allows the positive diagnosis by the presence of gases in the renal parenchyma, in the collecting system or in the peri- renal spaces. The evolution of the disease is the basis of its radiological classification in 4 stages. The therapeutic attitudes diverge between surgical treatment, percutaneous drainage and conservative treatment.