Emphysematous cystitis: A radiographic diagnosis

Emphysematous cystitis is a somewhat uncommon entity in which early diagnosis and treatment play a key role in avoiding potentially high morbidity and mortality. An elderly women with emphysematous cystitis and no comorbid factors, except advanced age, is presented. This case illustrates the key features in the radiographic diagnosis of this unusual disease. Discussion of the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of emphysematous cystitis emphasizes prompt recognition, drainage of the bladder and use of appropriate broad spectrum antibiotic therapy, (Am J Emerg Med 2001;19:211-213, Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company).