Spandidos Publications Logo
  • About
    • About Spandidos
    • Aims and Scopes
    • Abstracting and Indexing
    • Editorial Policies
    • Reprints and Permissions
    • Job Opportunities
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact
  • Journals
    • All Journals
    • Oncology Letters
      • Oncology Letters
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Oncology
      • International Journal of Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Molecular and Clinical Oncology
      • Molecular and Clinical Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
      • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      • International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Biomedical Reports
      • Biomedical Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Oncology Reports
      • Oncology Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Molecular Medicine Reports
      • Molecular Medicine Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • World Academy of Sciences Journal
      • World Academy of Sciences Journal
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Functional Nutrition
      • International Journal of Functional Nutrition
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Epigenetics
      • International Journal of Epigenetics
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Medicine International
      • Medicine International
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
  • Articles
  • Information
    • Information for Authors
    • Information for Reviewers
    • Information for Librarians
    • Information for Advertisers
    • Conferences
  • Language Editing
Spandidos Publications Logo
  • About
    • About Spandidos
    • Aims and Scopes
    • Abstracting and Indexing
    • Editorial Policies
    • Reprints and Permissions
    • Job Opportunities
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Contact
  • Journals
    • All Journals
    • Biomedical Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Epigenetics
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Functional Nutrition
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Molecular Medicine
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • International Journal of Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Medicine International
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Molecular and Clinical Oncology
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Molecular Medicine Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Oncology Letters
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • Oncology Reports
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
    • World Academy of Sciences Journal
      • Information for Authors
      • Editorial Policies
      • Editorial Board
      • Aims and Scope
      • Abstracting and Indexing
      • Bibliographic Information
      • Archive
  • Articles
  • Information
    • For Authors
    • For Reviewers
    • For Librarians
    • For Advertisers
    • Conferences
  • Language Editing
Login Register Submit
  • This site uses cookies
  • You can change your cookie settings at any time by following the instructions in our Cookie Policy. To find out more, you may read our Privacy Policy.

    I agree
Search articles by DOI, keyword, author or affiliation
Search
Advanced Search
presentation
Oncology Letters
Join Editorial Board Propose a Special Issue
Print ISSN: 1792-1074 Online ISSN: 1792-1082
Journal Cover
October-2025 Volume 30 Issue 4

Full Size Image

Sign up for eToc alerts
Recommend to Library

Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Molecular Medicine is an international journal devoted to molecular mechanisms of human disease.

International Journal of Oncology

International Journal of Oncology

International Journal of Oncology is an international journal devoted to oncology research and cancer treatment.

Molecular Medicine Reports

Molecular Medicine Reports

Covers molecular medicine topics such as pharmacology, pathology, genetics, neuroscience, infectious diseases, molecular cardiology, and molecular surgery.

Oncology Reports

Oncology Reports

Oncology Reports is an international journal devoted to fundamental and applied research in Oncology.

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine is an international journal devoted to laboratory and clinical medicine.

Oncology Letters

Oncology Letters

Oncology Letters is an international journal devoted to Experimental and Clinical Oncology.

Biomedical Reports

Biomedical Reports

Explores a wide range of biological and medical fields, including pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, and molecular cardiology.

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

International journal addressing all aspects of oncology research, from tumorigenesis and oncogenes to chemotherapy and metastasis.

World Academy of Sciences Journal

World Academy of Sciences Journal

Multidisciplinary open-access journal spanning biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, environmental health, and synthetic biology.

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

Open-access journal combining biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and genetics to advance health through functional nutrition.

International Journal of Epigenetics

International Journal of Epigenetics

Publishes open-access research on using epigenetics to advance understanding and treatment of human disease.

Medicine International

Medicine International

An International Open Access Journal Devoted to General Medicine.

Journal Cover
October-2025 Volume 30 Issue 4

Full Size Image

Sign up for eToc alerts
Recommend to Library

  • Article
  • Citations
    • Cite This Article
    • Download Citation
    • Create Citation Alert
    • Remove Citation Alert
    • Cited By
  • Similar Articles
    • Related Articles (in Spandidos Publications)
    • Similar Articles (Google Scholar)
    • Similar Articles (PubMed)
  • Download PDF
  • Download XML
  • View XML
Case Report Open Access

Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report

  • Authors:
    • Yiyu Huang
    • Jiaxin Li
    • Yongsheng Fu
    • Bolin He
    • Xuepeng Zhou
    • Daozhang Yuan
  • View Affiliations / Copyright

    Affiliations: Department of Urology, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, P.R. China, Department of Surgery, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, P.R. China
    Copyright: © Huang et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
  • Article Number: 470
    |
    Published online on: August 4, 2025
       https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2025.15216
  • Expand metrics +
Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Metrics: Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Cited By (CrossRef): 0 citations Loading Articles...

This article is mentioned in:



Abstract

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), a severe acute necrotizing infection, is one of the most serious types of urinary tract infections, with high rates of kidney loss and mortality. Diabetes and urinary tract obstruction are diagnosed before EPN. However, it is uncommon for EPN to occur secondary to gastrointestinal tract diseases. The present study is a case report of a 57‑year‑old woman who was diagnosed with EPN. Based on the patient's condition and wishes, drainage and medication were used as treatment. The patient's vital signs remained stable, clinical symptoms improved and inflammatory markers gradually decreased. However, drainage fluid did not decrease, and even fecal water‑like drainage fluid appeared, which led to further investigations during treatment that resulted in a diagnosis of colon adenocarcinoma. Through this case, clinical doctors can be made aware that, for patients with EPN of uncertain cause, colon lesions should also be considered. 
View Figures

Figure 1

Abdominal computed tomography imaging.
(A) Gas around the right kidney (arrows). (B) Gas in the right
renal collecting system (arrow).

Figure 2

Abdominal computed tomography imaging.
(A) Colonic hepatic flexure with significant thickening of the
intestinal wall and nodular soft-tissue shadows observed locally
(white circle). (B) Coronal section: Nodular soft-tissue shadows
observed locally (white circle).

Figure 3

Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the
colonic hepatic flexure cell block. (A) Cancer cells growing in an
adenoid infiltrative manner, with the interstitial tissue promoting
fibroblast proliferation (magnification, ×200). (B) Tumor invading
the submucosal layer, presenting as irregular glandular or
sieve-like structures (magnification, ×200). (C) Low-magnification
view showing cancer cells exhibiting irregular adenoid infiltrative
growth, with increased interstitial fibrosis. The cells are
multi-layered, have large and deeply stained nuclei, some of which
are vacuolated showing significant atypia, and nuclear division
figures can be observed (magnification, ×100). (D)
Low-magnification field demonstrating similar cytological features
(magnification, ×100).

Figure 4

Positron emission tomography-computed
tomography imaging. (A) Hypermetabolism was seen in the colonic
hepatic flexure where the presence of a malignant tumor was
suggested (white circles). Multiple areas of high metabolism can be
seen throughout the pelvic cavity, indicating the presence of
multiple metastatic lesions in the pelvic cavity (arrows). (B)
Coronal section: Hypermetabolism was seen in the colonic hepatic
flexure, where the presence of a malignant tumor was suggested
(white circles). Multiple areas of high metabolism can be seen
throughout the abdomen, indicating the presence of multiple
metastatic lesions in the abdomen (arrows).
View References

1 

Shokeir AA, El-Azab M, Mohsen T and El-Diasty T: Emphysematous pyelonephritis: A 15-year experience with 20 cases. Urology. 49:343–346. 1997. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

2 

Kaiser E and Fournier R: Emphysematous pyelonephritis: Diagnosis and treatment. Ann Urol (Paris). 39:49–60. 2005.(In French). View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

3 

Gaither K, Ardite A and Mason TC: Pregnancy complicated by emphysematous pyonephrosis. J Natl Med Assoc. 97:1411–1413. 2005.PubMed/NCBI

4 

Wu SY, Yang SS, Chang SJ and Hsu CK: Emphysematous pyelonephritis: Classification, management, and prognosis. Tzu Chi Med J. 34:297–302. 2022. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

5 

Tang HJ, Li CM, Yen MY, Chen YS, Wann SR, Lin HH, Lee SS and Liu YC: Clinical characteristics of emphysematous pyelonephritis. J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 34:125–130. 2001.PubMed/NCBI

6 

Pandya B, Narang R and Kale S: Emphysematous pyelonephritis presenting with coexistent Pneumatosis intestinalis. IJHS. 2:15–19. 2015.

7 

Strofilas A, Manouras A, Lagoudianakis EE, Kotzadimitriou A, Pappas A, Chrysikos I and Menenakos E: Emphysematous pyelonephritis, a rare cause of pneumoperitoneum: a case report and review of literature. Cases J. 1:912008. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

8 

Sujith S, Solomon AP and Rayappan JB: Comprehensive insights into UTIs: From pathophysiology to precision diagnosis and management. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 14:14029412024. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

9 

Kelly HA and MacCallum WG: PNEUMATURIA. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association. 31:375–381. 1898. View Article : Google Scholar

10 

Schultz EJ and Klorfein EH: Emphysematous pyelonephritis. J Urol. 87:762–766. 1962. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

11 

Ciccarese F, Brandi N, Corcioni B, Golfieri R and Gaudiano C: Complicated pyelonephritis associated with chronic renal stone disease. Radiol Med. 126:505–516. 2021. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

12 

Ubee SS, Mcglynn L and Fordham M: Emphysematous pyelonephritis. BJU Int. 107:1474–1478. 2011. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

13 

Falagas ME, Alexiou VG, Giannopoulou KP and Siempos II: Risk factors for mortality in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis: A meta-analysis. J Urol. 178:880–885. 2007. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

14 

Koch GE and Johnsen NV: The diagnosis and management of life-threatening urologic infections. Urology. 156:6–15. 2021. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

15 

Craig WD, Wagner BJ and Travis MD: Pyelonephritis: Radiologic-pathologic review. Radiographics. 28:255–277. 2008. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

16 

Misgar RA, Mubarik I, Wani AI, Bashir MI, Ramzan M and Laway BA: Emphysematous pyelonephritis: A 10-year experience with 26 cases. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 20:475–480. 2016. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

17 

Stone SC, Mallon WK, Childs JM and Docherty SD: Emphysematous pyelonephritis: Clues to rapid diagnosis in the emergency department. J Emerg Med. 28:315–319. 2005. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

18 

Huang JJ and Tseng CC: Emphysematous pyelonephritis: Clinicoradiological classification, management, prognosis, and pathogenesis. Arch Intern Med. 160:797–805. 2000. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

19 

Beznoshchenko GB: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome in an obstetric clinic: resolved and unresolved problems. Rossiiskii Vestnik Akushera-ginekologa. 4:6–10. 2018.(In Russian). View Article : Google Scholar

20 

Aboumarzouk OM, Hughes O, Narahari K, Coulthard R, Kynaston H, Chlosta P and Somani B: Emphysematous pyelonephritis: Time for a management plan with an evidence-based approach. Arab J Urol. 12:106–115. 2014. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

21 

Kapoor R, Muruganandham K, Gulia AK, Singla M, Agrawal S, Mandhani A, Ansari MS and Srivastava A: Predictive factors for mortality and need for nephrectomy in patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis. BJU Int. 105:986–989. 2010. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

22 

Ahlering TE, Boyd SD, Hamilton CL, Bragin SD, Chandrasoma PT, Lieskovsky G and Skinner DG: Emphysematous pyelonephritis: A 5-year experience with 13 patients. J Urol. 134:1086–1088. 1985. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

23 

Mehdi S, Singh V, Sinha RJ and Pandey S: Concealed diagnosis of duodenal perforation in a patient with emphysematous pyelonephritis: The dilemma of air in the right perirenal space. BMJ Case Rep. 12:e2286292019. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

24 

Yagan N, Auh YH and Fisher A: Extension of air into the right perirenal space after duodenal perforation: CT findings. Radiology. 250:740–748. 2009. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

25 

Grayson DE, Abbott RM, Levy AD and Sherman PM: Emphysematous infections of the abdomen and pelvis: A pictorial review. Radiographics. 22:543–561. 2002. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

26 

Gill HS: Diagnosis and surgical management of Uroenteric Fistula. Surg Clin North Am. 96:583–592. 2016. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

27 

Talan DA and Di Saverio S: Treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis. N Engl J Med. 385:1116–1123. 2021. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

28 

Di Saverio S, Podda M, De Simone B, Ceresoli M, Augustin G, Gori A, Boermeester M, Sartelli M, Coccolini F, Tarasconi A, et al: Diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis: 2020 update of the WSES Jerusalem guidelines. World J Emerg Surg. 15:272020. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI

29 

Hwang ME: Sonography and computed tomography in diagnosing acute appendicitis. Radiol Technol. 89:224–237. 2018.PubMed/NCBI

Related Articles

  • Abstract
  • View
  • Download
  • Twitter
Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
Huang Y, Li J, Fu Y, He B, Zhou X and Yuan D: Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report. Oncol Lett 30: 470, 2025.
APA
Huang, Y., Li, J., Fu, Y., He, B., Zhou, X., & Yuan, D. (2025). Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report. Oncology Letters, 30, 470. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2025.15216
MLA
Huang, Y., Li, J., Fu, Y., He, B., Zhou, X., Yuan, D."Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report". Oncology Letters 30.4 (2025): 470.
Chicago
Huang, Y., Li, J., Fu, Y., He, B., Zhou, X., Yuan, D."Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report". Oncology Letters 30, no. 4 (2025): 470. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2025.15216
Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Huang Y, Li J, Fu Y, He B, Zhou X and Yuan D: Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report. Oncol Lett 30: 470, 2025.
APA
Huang, Y., Li, J., Fu, Y., He, B., Zhou, X., & Yuan, D. (2025). Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report. Oncology Letters, 30, 470. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2025.15216
MLA
Huang, Y., Li, J., Fu, Y., He, B., Zhou, X., Yuan, D."Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report". Oncology Letters 30.4 (2025): 470.
Chicago
Huang, Y., Li, J., Fu, Y., He, B., Zhou, X., Yuan, D."Colon adenocarcinoma hidden behind emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report". Oncology Letters 30, no. 4 (2025): 470. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2025.15216
Follow us
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
About
  • Spandidos Publications
  • Careers
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
How can we help?
  • Help
  • Live Chat
  • Contact
  • Email to our Support Team