# Severe combined emphysematous infections of the urinary tract in a diabetic patient: A case report

**Authors:** Saleck Choumad, Aichetou Mohamed el hacen, Khattary Oumar, Ahmed Ebedda, Itimad Nassar, Kaoutar Imrani

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2026.02.044 · 2026-03-19

## TL;DR

A diabetic man developed severe gas-filled infections in his urinary tract, highlighting the need for quick diagnosis and treatment to prevent death.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the understanding of rare, severe emphysematous infections in diabetic patients.

## Key findings

- The patient had multiple emphysematous infections including pyelonephritis and cystitis.
- Early imaging and multidisciplinary care were critical in managing the condition.
- The case emphasizes the risk in diabetic and immunocompromised individuals.

## Abstract

Emphysematous infections of the urinary tract are rare but life-threatening conditions, most commonly affecting diabetic and immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a 55-year-old male with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and chronic alcoholism who presented in septic shock. CT imaging revealed emphysematous pyelonephritis, emphysematous cystitis, a pelvic abscess in the recto-vesical pouch, and bilateral periurethral prostatic abscesses. The case illustrates the importance of early imaging, prompt diagnosis, and multidisciplinary management in preventing fatal outcomes.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** type 2 diabetes (MONDO:0005148)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Emphysematous infections of the urinary tract (MESH:D014552), emphysematous pyelonephritis (MESH:D011704), emphysematous (MESH:D041882), septic shock (MESH:D012772), pelvic abscess (MESH:D000038), type 2 diabetes (MESH:D003924), alcoholism (MESH:D000437), cystitis (MESH:D003556), diabetic (MESH:D003920), prostatic abscesses (MESH:D011472)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13015206/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13015206