Emphysematous Cystitis Found Incidentally in a Patient Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2015 Sep 23;5(3):e83. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.O.00004.

Abstract

Case: Emphysematous cystitis is a rare, complicated urinary tract infection that is potentially life-threatening if left untreated. We present the case of an eighty-one-year-old woman with left hip pain from a low-energy fall with no associated urinary symptoms. Pelvic computed tomography revealed a left femoral neck fracture and an air-fluid level in the bladder. Bipolar hemiarthroplasty was delayed for three weeks to allow for the potentially serious urinary tract infection to resolve.

Conclusion: Increased awareness is required for early diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic emphysematous cystitis in a patient presenting with musculoskeletal symptoms.