Iliopsoas abscess: an unexpected sequela of dilation and evacuation

This study aimed to report the case of a patient who developed an iliopsoas abscess after a dilation and evacuation for a midtrimester fetal demise.

This is a case report of a 35-year-old woman who underwent a dilation and evacuation at 17 weeks' gestation because of a preterm premature rupture of membranes and fetal demise. Four days later, she presented with fevers, chills, malaise, and right lower back, hip, and thigh pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a 2.3 × 1.6-cm right iliopsoas abscess.

The patient underwent computed tomography-guided drainage of the abscess and made an uneventful recovery after completion of an antibiotic course and physical therapy.

An iliopsoas abscess should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any woman presenting with fevers, chills, and unilateral lower back, hip, and thigh pain in a radicular pattern after a recent dilation and evacuation.