Primary Salmonella iliopsoas abscess: a case report

Primary iliopsoas abscesses are usually hematogenous or seeded via the lymphatic system from an occult focus. Staphylococcus aureus has been reported to be the predominant pathogen, whereas Salmonella sp has rarely been reported to be a major pathogen. We report the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with a prolonged fever of two weeks' duration. On admission, physical examination revealed tenderness over the left lower abdomen and hip joint, with her thigh in constant flexion. Computerized tomography of the abdomen revealed an iliac fossa abscess. The drained pus culture yielded Salmonella group B. Percutaneous catheter drainage and appropriate antimicrobial therapy with ciprofloxacin eventually yielded good results. There was no evidence of other underlying diseases predisposing the patient to the formation of iliopsoas abscess. Salmonella infection should be considered in the diagnostic protocols of iliopsoas abscess in Taiwan, where salmonellosis is prevalent.