[Emphysematous prostatitis, apropos of a case].

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of emphysematous prostatitis in a 70-year-old male patient. The rarity of this condition is underscored, the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects are discussed and the literature briefly reviewed. METHODS/RESULTS: The diagnosis of emphysematous prostatitis was based on the findings of a plain x-ray of the pelvis, which demonstrated gas in the prostatic region in the AP and oblique views. The diagnosis was confirmed by transrectal US, which also permitted percutaneous drainage. CONCLUSIONS: A plain x-ray of the pelvis is simple and low-cost, and can be useful in orienting the diagnosis in patients with features of prostatic abscess. However, transrectal US is the diagnostic method of choice, which also permits treatment by percutaneous drainage with antibiotic protection.