Primary psoas abscess complicating a normal vaginal delivery

Psoas abscess is a rare and potentially dangerous complication of normal delivery.

We describe a case of primary psoas abscess after normal vaginal delivery. A young woman presented with fever, left back pain, left lower abdominal pain, and hip pain starting on postpartum day 2. Computed tomography demonstrated a large retroperitoneal collection. Aspiration drainage of the abscess under computed tomography guidance isolated Streptococcus viridans, which responded to antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainage with complete resolution.

A high index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis of psoas abscess, which should be considered in postpartum patients with pyrexia, back and hip pain, and a normal neurologic examination. Computed tomography is effective for diagnosis and allows percutaneous drainage of the abscess.