Unusual presentation of psoas abscess in a child

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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
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Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess

Published on: March 2, 2020

O Kleiner1, Z Cohen, Y Barki

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery and Ultrasonography Unit, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|December 6, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Primary psoas muscle abscesses are rare in children and can mimic other serious conditions. This case highlights a ruptured psoas abscess presenting as generalized peritonitis, emphasizing diagnostic challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Abdominal Imaging

Background:

  • Primary psoas muscle abscesses are uncommon in pediatric patients.
  • Clinical symptoms like limping, fever, and abdominal pain can mimic other pediatric surgical emergencies, including septic arthritis of the hip, osteomyelitis, and appendicitis.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and to prevent complications.

Observation:

  • The authors report an unusual case of a ruptured left psoas abscess in a child.
  • The ruptured abscess led to generalized peritonitis, a severe and widespread inflammation of the abdominal lining.
  • This presentation complicated the initial diagnosis, underscoring the varied clinical manifestations of psoas abscesses.

Findings:

  • A ruptured psoas abscess can present with generalized peritonitis, a rare but critical complication.
  • The diagnostic pathway for pediatric abdominal pain requires careful consideration of less common causes like psoas abscess.
  • Prompt surgical and medical intervention is necessary for managing peritonitis secondary to a ruptured abscess.

Implications:

  • This case expands the understanding of psoas abscess presentations in children.
  • It emphasizes the need for high clinical suspicion and advanced imaging in diagnosing pediatric abdominal conditions with atypical symptoms.
  • Improved diagnostic strategies may lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes for children with psoas abscesses.

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