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Updated: May 1, 2026

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
Iliopsoas abscess in an infant
Hiroki Ishibashi1, Takehito Oshio, Tomoko Sogami
1Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Endoscopic Surgery, Tokushima University Hospital.
Insights
Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is rare in infants, often presenting as leg swelling. Early diagnosis and drainage, as seen in this case following an umbilical granuloma, are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Case Reports
Background:
- Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is an uncommon condition in pediatric patients, particularly rare in neonates and infants.
- Umbilical granulomas can be a potential, albeit rare, precursor to serious infections in infants.
Observation:
- A two-month-old infant presented with right leg and groin swelling, limited mobility, and discomfort, with a history of umbilical granuloma.
- Clinical presentation included mild bluish discoloration of the affected limb without fever.
Findings:
- Imaging studies (ultrasonography and computed tomography) confirmed an iliopsoas abscess in the right iliopsoas muscle.
- Cultures of the aspirated pus identified Staphylococcus aureus as the causative pathogen.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering iliopsoas abscess in the differential diagnosis of infants presenting with leg swelling and reduced mobility.
- Prompt diagnosis through imaging and appropriate management, including surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy, led to a favorable outcome and full recovery of leg function.
Abstract:
Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is uncommon in childhood and very rare in the neonate and infant. We present a case of IPA after an umbilical granuloma in an infant. A baby girl with a birth weight of 2,970 g was born at thirty-seven weeks and two days gestation by Caesarean Section. On the fourteenth day after birth, her umbilicus was wet and developed the granulomatous formation. At two months of age, she presented with right leg and groin swelling with mild bluish discoloration and without fever. She had poor movement of her right leg and showed apparent discomfort. Her umbilicus was dry and there was no granulomatous material. Ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrated an iliopsoas abscess in the right position. Therefore, an extraperitoneal surgical drainage was performed, aspirating yellowish pus. Culture of the purulent material revealed Staphylococcus aureus. Systemic antibiotic therapy was continued for ten days. After three days of drainage, full-range motion of the right leg was gained, and then after eleven days, CT findings comfirmed the disappearance of the iliopsoas abscess. IPA is extremely rare and it is difficult to diagnose. However, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of an infant with poor leg movement and swelling of the groin to the femur.
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