Importance of Obtaining a Detailed Medical History in Diagnosing Emphysematous Cystitis

Publication/Presentation Date

2-1-2010

Abstract

Pneumaturia has long been known to be the characteristic pathognomonic finding in emphysematous cystitis. However, its history is often difficult to elicit. Imaging studies are diagnostic in the majority of emphysematous cystitis cases described in the literature. The authors present a unique case in which the patient did not admit having pneumaturia until detailed questioning about her medical history was completed after diagnostic imaging. Had an earlier and more thorough medical history been conducted, the patient's diagnosis would have been achieved several months earlier, before presentation to the emergency department, as described in the present case. Early diagnosis is vital to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with emphysematous cystitis.

Volume

110

Issue

2

First Page

91

Last Page

94

ISSN

1945-1997

Disciplines

Emergency Medicine | Medical Specialties | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

20160248

Department(s)

Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty, Department of Emergency Medicine Residents

Document Type

Article

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