Emphysematous cystitis

Emphysematous cystitis is a rare type of infection of the bladder wall by gas-forming bacteria or fungi. The most frequent offending organism is E. Coli. Other gram negative bacteria, including Klebsiella and Proteus are also commonly isolated. Fungus, such as Candida has also been reported as a causative organism. Citrobacter and Enterococci have also been found to cause Emphysematous cystitis (Mokabberi). Although it is a rare type of bladder infection, it is the most common type of all gas-forming bladder infections (Mccabe). The condition is characterized by the formation of air bubbles in and around the bladder wall. The gas found in the bladder consists of nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. The disease most commonly affects elderly diabetic and immunocompromised patients (Sereno). The first case was identified in a post-mortem examination in 1888 (Nemati, Basra).