Emphysematous prostatic abscess due to Klebsiella pneumoniae

Prostatic abscess is an unusual occurrence in the era of modern antibiotics. We report a rare case of emphysematous prostatic abscess owing to Klebsiella pneumoniae in a 45-year-old man with a 10-year history of alcoholism and a 6-year history of diabetes mellitus. Prostatic abscess is a difficult clinical diagnosis without specific symptoms and signs. Computerized tomography can assist ill making the diagnosis of emphysematous prostatic abscess. Definitive treatment is complete surgical drainage and the use of effective antibiotics. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.