Emphysematous Cystitis Complicated by Pneumorrhachis.

Authors :: Ehret J
Powell TW
Lam P
Cluzet V
Source :: Cureus [Cureus] 2022 Oct 17; Vol. 14 (10), pp. e30401. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Oct 17 (Print Publication: 2022).
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: Emphysematous cystitis (EC) is a potentially life-threatening urinary tract infection (UTI) characterized by the presence of gas within the bladder wall and lumen. The extension of gas beyond the bladder wall is rare and indicative of severe disease. We present a case of septic shock secondary to EC with the extension of air through the paraspinal and psoas muscles and into the epidural space of the lumbar spinal canal. This finding of intraspinal air is a rare radiographic phenomenon known as pneumorrhachis (PR).<br />Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.<br /> (Copyright © 2022, Ehret et al.)