[Psoas abscess as a differential diagnosis in emergency department]

A psoas (or iliopsoas) abscess is a rare clinical entity with a wide etiological range. It is defined as a collection of pus that begins and extends through the iliopsoas muscle and can reach up to the inguinal region.

We performed a retrospective descriptive study by reviewing medical records from the General Surgery department of Reina Sofía's General University Hospital. Information was collected from patients diagnosed with psoas abscess who were admitted to the General Surgery department from 2006 to 2011.

Five cases were reported for 6 years: four males (80%) and one female (20%). Average age was 51.6 years (range: 35--75). All were admitted to the hospital through the Emergency Department. Lumbar pain, fever and rash were clinical features in three patients. Two patients initiated with septic shock. Each patient had computed tomography performed, which confirmed the diagnosis. Causes of the abscess were as follows: one perforated colon neoplasm, two left hip osteomyelitis, one Crohn's disease and one primary abscess. Surgery was the treatment in three cases and placement of pigtail drainage was the treatment in two patients. Two patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and ultimately died.

In our case series report, it is seen that treatment delay developed to septic shock and death. We should consider this entity in emergency practice in order to carry out timely treatment.