Case report: Bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis with pneumatosis intestinalis

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a severe and rare gas producing infection in the renal parenchyma or collecting system. Diabetes mellitus is an established risk factor. Treatment options include antibiotics, minimally invasive management such as percutaneous drainage, or nephrectomy. This case report describes a 40-year-old female with newly diagnosed diabetes and cirrhosis who presented with left sided emphysematous pyelonephritis. After initial management with intravenous antibiotics and drainage of the collecting system, this patient's clinical condition worsened, and subsequent repeat imaging revealed bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis as well as pneumatosis intestinalis.