Emphysematous cystitis-gas in bladder: a rare urological emergency

Emphysematous cystitis is an unusual inflammatory condition characterised by the presence of air within the bladder wall and lumen. It is usually seen in patients with diabetes, and in those with long-term catheterisation or of immunocompromised status. Its presentation varies from asymptomatic to frank urosepsis. It is diagnosed after radiological studies. Treatment requires establishment of prompt urinary drainage, antibiotic coverage and correction of offending factors, if any. We report a case of 41-year-old, non-diabetic, otherwise healthy woman presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms with pneumaturia, which was managed conservatively. A review of the recent literature is also presented.