Abstract

Introduction: Emphysematous pyelonephritis is an acute necrotizing infection of the renal parenchyma. The management is variable, extending to total nephrectomy in severe or refractory cases. Post-nephrectomy complications are numerous and common, necrotizing fasciitis, and sepsis being among them. Case presentation: We present a case of a 37-year-old woman with obesity and a previous left emphysematous pyelonephritis episode managed conservatively. The patient presented with a second left emphysematous pyelonephritis and underwent a left total nephrectomy. Two weeks later, the patient presented with a contralateral necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall. Subsequently, the patient required several surgical debridement procedures and a vacuum-assisted closure system treatment. Conclusion: Emphysematous pyelonephritis is an aggressive infectious disease that requires high suspicion in patients at risk.