Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
03:42
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Published on: March 15, 2024
1.5K
Retroperitoneal abscess: an extra-abdominal manifestation.
Alvin James Mallia1, Neil Ashwood1, George Arealis1
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Queens Hospital Burton, Burton on Trent, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|January 11, 2015
Summary
Retroperitoneal abscesses present insidiously, often delaying diagnosis and treatment. This case highlights thigh emphysema as a rare sign of a deep abscess, leading to sepsis and mortality in an elderly diabetic patient.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Retroperitoneal abscesses are rare and often present with subtle symptoms.
- Delayed diagnosis of retroperitoneal abscesses is associated with high mortality rates.
Observation:
- An 88-year-old female with diabetes presented with sepsis and acute kidney injury.
- Initial symptoms included a 4-week history of left thigh pain and difficulty bearing weight.
- Radiographic imaging revealed extensive gas within the muscular planes of the left thigh.
Findings:
- A computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed a retroperitoneal abscess extending into the left renal fossa, psoas, iliacus, and thigh muscles.
- The abscess was associated with widespread thigh emphysema.
Implications:
- Thigh emphysema can be an unusual presenting sign of a deep retroperitoneal abscess.
- Prompt recognition and urgent surgical drainage are critical for managing such severe infections.
- This case underscores the importance of considering deep-seated infections in elderly diabetic patients with vague symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
2
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
2
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
1.9K
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...
1.9K
01:19Appendicitis
3
Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
3
01:27Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
1.4K
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such...
1.4K
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
750
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
750
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
4.1K
The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
4.1K