A case of emphysematous pyelonephritis induced by Citrobacter freundii infection

Abstract

A 79-year-old female with diabetes mellitus had general fatigue, a high fever and vomiting. A CT revealed acute emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN). A nephrectomy was performed on the 2 nd hospital day. The results of the blood culture showed the presence of Citrobacter freundii infection. The patient′s post-operative course was uneventful. This case is the second reported case of EPN induced by Citrobacter freundii. Bacteremia induced by Citrobacter freundii infection typically results in a high mortality rate. In this case, the early diagnosis of the EPN using CT and immediate medical treatment, including urgent elective nephrectomy, were key to the favorable outcome.

Keywords

• Citrobacter freundii
• nephrectomy
• pyelonephritis