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Updated: Aug 29, 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

[Psoas muscular abscess in children]

A M Pires1, A G Reis, S J Grisi

  • 1Complementação Especializada na Area de Emergência, Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, SP.

Jornal De Pediatria
|July 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Psoas abscess in children presents with vague symptoms, complicating diagnosis. Imaging like ultrasound and CT scans are crucial for confirming this rare condition, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Musculoskeletal Imaging
  • Diagnostic Radiology

Context:

  • Psoas muscular abscess is a rare condition in children.
  • Symptoms are often nonspecific, mimicking other causes of acute hip pain.
  • Accurate diagnosis requires advanced imaging techniques.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges of psoas abscess in pediatric patients.
  • To emphasize the role of imaging in confirming the diagnosis.
  • To report on the etiologic agent in a small cohort.

Summary:

  • A retrospective review of pediatric cases presenting with nonspecific symptoms suggestive of hip pain.
  • Four children diagnosed with psoas abscess using abdominal ultrasound and/or computerized tomography.
  • Staphylococcus aureus identified as the causative agent in three of the four cases.

Impact:

  • Underscores the importance of considering psoas abscess in the differential diagnosis of pediatric hip pain.
  • Reinforces the utility of imaging modalities for definitive diagnosis.
  • Provides etiological data contributing to the understanding of pediatric psoas abscess.

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