[Abscess of the psoas muscle. Description of a series of 23 cases]

Psoas muscle abscess simulating acute appendicits: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Psoas abscess is a rare clinical entity with vague symptomatology. We report a psoas abscess that simulated symptoms of acute appendicitis.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A twenty-five year old male presented pain irradiating to the right iliac fossa and lumbar region associated with thigh flexion. Laboratorial exams revealed leukocytosis with a neutrophil shift to the left. Abdominal Ultrasound showed significant intestinal distension and a small quantity of free fluid at the right iliac fossa. Laparotomy and an appendectomy were performed. During immediate post-operative, the patient evolved with worsening of the pain and the leukocytosis, therefore, we chose to maintain his antalgic posture. An abdominal Computerized Tomography scan with contrast was solicited, revealing an increase of the iliac and psoas muscles of the right side, and multiple bacterial focuses. A retroperitoneal access was performed and 300ml of purulent secretion was drained. Afterwards, we implanted a Penrose Drain. The patient had a good post-op evolution, being discharged 7days after the drainage.

DISCUSSION

The psoas muscle is a flexor of the thigh. Psoas abscess is an underdiagnosed condition, its main treatment is surgery associated with antibiotic therapy. CT scan seems to be the best choice of diagnostic image exam, although some authors prefer the nuclear magnetic resonance.

CONCLUSION

The psoas muscle abscess is uncommon and poorly characterized in its etiology, clinical associations, and its therapeutic approach. On the other hand, acute appendicitis is the most common abdominal emergency, with a 7% death rate, and surgery is its main treatment.

[Iliopsoas abscess: therapeutic approach and outcome in a series of 35 patients]

INTRODUCTION

The present study was aimed at reviewing the iliopsoas abscess (IPA) from a contemporary perspective, on the basis of experience from two tertiary referral centres.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 35 cases of IPA diagnosed between 1998 and 2009. Their clinical and microbiological features were recorded, as well as their long-term outcome according to the type of treatment: antibiotics alone (10 patients), or antibiotics plus percutaneous drainage or surgery (25 patients).

RESULTS

Primary abscess occurred in 8 patients. The most frequent source of secondary abscesses was spondylodiscitis. The classic clinical triad (fever, pain and functional impairment) was present in 10 patients, with a median duration of symptoms before diagnosis of 12 days. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated microorganism. At the end of a median follow-up of 454 days, the risk of poor outcome (related death and/or relapse) was higher among patients with diabetes mellitus (44.4% vs. 7.7%; P=.027), with no significant differences according to the therapeutic approach (20.0% in the group of antibiotics alone vs. 28.0% in the group with drainage or surgery).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, most cases of IPA were due to S. aureus and secondary to a skeletal source. Antibiotic therapy seems effective in the long-term, although diabetic patients had a higher risk of relapse.

[Pyogenic and tuberculous abscesses of the psoas muscle]

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with abscess on the psoas muscle (PA) and to identify the possible differences existing between pyogenic and tuberculous etiologies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients diagnosed of PA in one hospital was conducted (1983-2009). Two groups were established, that is pyogenic and tuberculous, and the clinical findings, analyses and evolution were compared.

RESULTS

Thirty PA were included, 83% pyogenic and 17% tuberculous, average age 53 years. On 9 occasions, 30% were primary and on 21 occasions, 70% secondary (to skeletal pathology in 8, to urological in 8 and to gastrointestinal in 8). No clinical differences were observed between both groups. Pyogenic and tuberculous etiologies were differentiated analytically through leukocyte values (13,871 vs. 8,560/mm(3), p=0.018), hemoglobin (11 vs. 14 g/dL, p=0.008) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (108 vs. 17 mm/h, p<0.0001). Abscesses were diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) in 29 patients (97%) and by magnetic resonance in 1 (3%), both with a diagnostic sensitivity of 100%, as opposed to 50% for ultrasound scanning. Left laterality was less frequent in pyogenic abscesses (44% vs. 100%, p=0.031). The blood cultures were positive in 22% and abscess pus culture in 82%. Gram negative bacilli, Streptococcus spp. and S. aureus were the most frequent isolations. A total of 67% were drained: transcutaneously 50%, surgically 13% and both techniques 3%. Two patients died (7%), both with pyogenic abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary pyogenic abscesses constitute the most frequent PA group. CT is the diagnostic procedure of choice. Leukocytosis, anemia, raised ESR and right laterality suggest pyogenic etiology. Transcutaneous drainage is substituting surgical drainage and also makes it possible to obtain diagnostic samples.

Psoas abscess formation in suboptimally controlled diabetes mellitus

Psoas abscess formation is a rare entity for which diabetes mellitus remains a major predisposing factor. Diabetes has long been associated with a predisposition to unusual and more serious infections. Here we present two cases that demonstrate that chronically suboptimally controlled diabetes remains an important marker for the development of primary psoas abscess. It is important to include psoas abscess in the differential in such patients to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

Primary extrahepatic alveolar echinococcosis of the lumbar spine and the psoas muscle

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) of human being caused by Echinococcus multilocularis is a rare but important zoonosis especially in tempered zones of middle Europe and Northern America with endemic character in many countries. Due to the long incubation period, various clinical manifestations, critical prognosis, and outcome AE presents a serious and severe disease. The primary focus of infection is usually the liver. Although secondary affection of visceral organs is possible extrahepatic AE is highly uncommon. Moreover, the involvement of bone and muscle presents with an even lower incidence. In the literature numerous cases on hepatic AE have been reported. However, extrahepatic AE involving bones and/or muscles was described very rarely. We report a case of an 80-year-old man with primary extrahepatic alveolar Echinococcosis of the lumbar spine and the psoas muscle. The etiology, diagnosis, differential diagnoses, treatment options and outcome of this rare disease are discussed in context with the current literature.

A rare cause of lower abdominal and pelvic mass, primary tuberculous psoas abscess: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Tuberculous psoas abscess was usually associated to complicate Pott's disease, but it can also be secondary to direct extension from other adjacent structures or haematogenous spread from an occult source. However, the occurrence of this entity as the presenting manifestation of tuberculosis, without evidence of active infection elsewhere, has been seldom reported.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a clinical case of a 64-year-old immunocompetent female that presented with left lower abdominal pain and a soft tissue mass over the left iliac fossa and inguinal regions due to a primary tuberculous psoas abscess. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with percutaneous drainage guided by ultrasound along with antituberculous drugs, lead to a satisfactory outcome.

CONCLUSION

The purpose of this case report is to point out attention to the diagnostic challenge of tuberculous psoas abscess in the absence of tuberculosis in other organs or a predisposing condition. A brief review of the literature about its epidemiology, etiology, clinical features and management is discussed over the text.

Psoas abscess due to brucellosis

Skeletal system involvement is a relatively common complication of human brucellosis. However, muscular involvement and psoas abscess are less frequently seen. Psoas abscess is usually secondary to spondylitis. We report on a 45-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman with brucellosis complicated with spondylitis and psoas abscess. The man was successfully treated with the triple antibiotic regimen with percutaneous drainage of abscess. The woman was treated using an antibiotic combination.

Microbiology and outcome of iliopsoas abscess in 124 patients

To describe the microbiology and outcome of iliopsoas abscess (IPA) in a large case series, we analyzed 124 cases of IPA collected from 1990 through 2004 in 11 hospitals in Spain. Twenty-seven (21.8%) patients had primary and 97 (78.2%) had secondary IPA. The main sources of infection were bone (50.5%), gastrointestinal tract (24.7%), and urinary tract (17.5%). A definitive microbial diagnosis was achieved in 93 (75%) cases. Abscess culture was the most frequent procedure leading to microbial diagnosis, followed by blood cultures. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacteroides species were the most frequent microbial causes: S. aureus was the most common organism in patients with primary abscesses (42.9%) and with abscesses of skeletal origin (35.2%), whereas E. coli was the leading organism in those with abscesses of urinary (61.5%) and gastrointestinal (42.1%) tracts. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found in 15 patients, 4 of them associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Twenty (21.5%) cases had polymicrobial infections; these were more common among patients with abscesses of gastrointestinal origin. Information on clinical outcome was available for 120 patients; 19 (15.8%) had a relapse and 6 (5%) died due to complications related to the IPA. Patients who died were older and more likely to have bacteremia and E. coli isolated from cultures. In conclusion, secondary IPA is more prevalent than primary IPA. Among those with secondary IPA, most abscesses are secondary to a skeletal source. A bacterial etiology can be identified in most cases. The overall prognosis of patients with this condition is good.

Simultaneous anterior and posterior surgery in the management of tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess in patients with neurological deficits

Study Design

This is a retrospective study.

Purpose

We wanted to evaluate the treatment outcomes of performing simultaneous anterior and posterior surgery for patients with tuberculous spondylitis and psoas abscess.

Overview of Literature

Although various treatment options have been used for spinal tuberculosis, there are only a few reports on the treatment of tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess.

Methods

Between March 1997 and February 2006, we performed operations on 14 cases of tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess. All the cases underwent anterior debridement with an interbody bone graft and posterior fusion with using pedicle screws.

Results

Under the Frankel classification, 1 case improved by two grades, 10 cases improved by 1 grade and 3 cases demonstrated no change. The Kirkaldy-Willis functional outcomes were classified as excellent in 10 cases and good in 4. One year after surgery, bony union was confirmed in all 14 cases. The mean kyphotic angle of the spinal lesion was 12.4° and the mean lordotic angle at the final follow-up was 6.4°. Postoperative complications (superficial wound infections) were encountered in 2 cases.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that anterior debridement with interbody bone grafting and posterior instrumented fusion can provide satisfactory results for treating tuberculous spondylitis with psoas abscess in patients with neurological deficits.

Massive retroperitoneal tubercular abscess mimicking a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report

In spite of being a common diagnosis in the patients of Asian origin, atypical presentations of tuberculosis may pose diagnostic challenges. We report a huge prevertebral abscess in a 30-year-old female, mimicking a leaking aortic aneurysm. The patient was managed successfully by emergency decompression and stabilization. The issues related to poor patient compliance to chemotherapy and management of atypical presentations of spinal tuberculosis are discussed here.

Les abcès pyogènes secondaires du psoas : à propos de six cas et revue de la littérature

PURPOSE

Psoas abscess is a rare disease in developed countries. Its diagnosis is difficult and any delay could lead to a worsen prognosis. The aim of this study is to determine the best diagnostic and therapeutic practices.

METHODS

A retrospective study of psoas abscess that occurred during six months was performed.

RESULTS

Six cases of secondary psoas abscess are reported. They were associated with spondylodiscitis in three cases, arthritis and gynaecologic infection in the three remaining cases. Anatomic diagnosis was performed by tomodensitometry. Microbiologic diagnosis was obtained by blood culture or direct puncture of the abscess. Antibiotics were associated with percutaneous drainage in two cases, with simple puncture in one case, and with surgery in one case. A local improvement w observed in all cases. The oldest patients presented the worst complications which were not directly caused by the abscess.

CONCLUSION

Physicians must be aware of psoas abscess because of their increasing incidence. Despite the fact that digestive pathologies are the main cause of secondary psoas abscess, bone infections, particularly spine infections, should be taken into consideration. Tomodensitometry guided puncture or percutaneous drainage are of diagnostic and therapeutic interest. Infectious samples must be taken before starting antibiotics, which have to be efficient against Gram negative bacillus, anaerobes and Staphylococcus aureus. Surgery must be quickly performed when the primary infection localisation need it, in case of voluminous abscess or when antibiotics and drainage are inefficient.

The iliopsoas abscess: aetiology, therapy, and outcome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The treatment strategy for patients with a retroperitonally localised abscess is controversial as it remains open which fluid collections should be drained by open access or by percutaneously inserted drainage.

PATIENTS

Therefore, the data of 40 consecutively treated patients with an iliopsoas abscess were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Ten patients suffered from a primary abscess and ten from a post-operative abscess; further, in 20 patients, the aetiology of the abscesses were due to Crohn's disease, neoplasia, spondylitis or other relevant concomitant diseases. Eight of 40 patients were initially treated by image-guided percutaneous drainage (PD), the other by open access drainage. Six patients died (15%), all of them had been operated; 15 (37.5%) patients had a recurrence of their abscess and needed re-operation. Factors predicting a poor outcome were age, APACHE II score, bi-lateral abscesses and a post-operative or bony cause, but the bacteriological findings did not influence the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest an algorithm for treatment of iliopsoas abscesses depending on number and volume of the abscesses.

Abscesos del psoas. Una perspectiva actual

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the characteristics of abscesses of the psoas muscle and assess the differences between pyogenic and tuberculous abscesses.

METHODS

Retrospective descriptive study of all patients with psoas abscess in our hospital over the period 1994 to 2004.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were studied (10 males), with a mean age of 42 years. Half of them had had an underlying disease. The most frequent clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (64%), fever (57%), and back pain (43%). All the abscesses were secondary. In 7 patients the origin was gastrointestinal, in 6 osteoarticular, and 1 was related with infection of an aortobifemoral bypass. Computed tomography was the diagnostic imaging method in all patients. Culture of drainage specimens was positive in 92% of patients undergoing this procedure. Causal microorganisms included Mycobacterium tuberculosis (5), Streptococcus intermedius (4), Staphylococcus aureus (3), Escherichia coli (3) and Bacteroides fragilis (2). Tuberculous abscesses originated in spondylitis and the clinical presentation was longer prior to diagnosis. Drainage was performed in 12 patients (8 percutaneous and 4 surgical). Mean duration of antimicrobial therapy was 4 weeks. The infection resolved in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Psoas abscess commonly had a gastrointestinal and osteoarticular origin. We underscore the high percentage of tuberculous etiology, which had a more insidious clinical and analytical presentation and was usually secondary to spondylitis. Prolonged antimicrobial treatment associated with drainage was effective therapy.

[Bilateral brucellosic psoas abscess: one case is related and literature review]

The Brucellosis is a zoonotic and unfrequent infection but it is endemic in Spain. It is a well documented cause of fever of unknown origin with varied and nonspecific symptoms. The onset of symptoms of brucellosis may be abrupt or insidious, developing over several days to weeks. Virtually any organ system can be involved with brucellosis and localization of the process may cause focal symptoms. The most frequent focal presentation is the osteoarthicular. Some times it can complicates with para-perivertebral abscess. The unilateral psoas abscess(PA) is uncommon and the bilateral afection is exceptional. The manifestations of PA usually are insidious, the classic tiad of: feber, lumbar pain and functional impotence is rare. For the diagnosis the serology c tests and cultures are necesary. The imaging techniques like: Ultrasonography and Tomography have improved the diagnosis and treatment of this pathologies' complications. The recommended therapy is the use of doxycicline and streptomicine. Some times the use of percutaneous drainage or open surgery is necessary.

[Psoas abscess as cause of lumbar spine pain detected by scintigraphy with gallium in a patient with suspicion of spondylodiscitis]

A 56 year old man with fever and lumbar pain who underwent an abdominal CT scan that showed lumbar arthrosic changes, although it was not possible to rule out infectious disease in L5/S1. Bone scintigraphy was requested. It showed heterogeneous hyperuptake that did not make it possible to exclude a spondylodiscitis in this site. Scintigraphy with 67Ga-citrate excluded infectious diseases in the lumbar spine column. However, a pathological uptake was observed in the left iliac fossa suggestive of psoas abscess, which was confirmed by ultrasonography, isolating streptococcus viridans.