[Bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis caused by Candida glabrata: An exceptional entity]

Nephrol Ther. 2010 Nov;6(6):541-3. doi: 10.1016/j.nephro.2010.05.005. Epub 2010 Jul 21.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Acute emphysematous pyelonephritis (AEP) is a severe form of urinary tract infection. It occurs usually in diabetics. The most concerned agents are the Gram-negative bacilli. We report a first case of bilateral AEP due to Candida glabrata, occurred in a 64-year-old diabetic woman. The clinical presentation started with fever and abdominal pains, without signs of urinary tract infection. Within six hours, the patient had developed a septic shock with renal failure and ketoacidosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan and the pathogen was isolated in urine. Despite antibiotic and antifungal treatment, she died from a septic shock. Acute emphysematous pyelonephritis due to Candida species is rare. However, the addition of antifungal therapy seems justified if a severe emphysematous pyelonephritis is associated with risk factors of Candida infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Candida glabrata*
  • Candidiasis / complications*
  • Emphysema / microbiology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pyelonephritis / microbiology*
  • Shock, Septic / microbiology