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Abdominal abscess following asymptomatic pelvic osteomyelitis. Case report
A D Højgaard1, S B Kalms, B B Nielsen
1Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Viborg Hospital, Denmark.
Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica
|March 1, 1989
Summary
A rare case of abdominal wall abscess revealed an underlying extraperitoneal fistula to asymptomatic pelvic osteomyelitis. This highlights the importance of considering pelvic osteomyelitis in abdominal wall abscesses without intra-abdominal pathology.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Abdominal wall abscesses typically indicate intra-abdominal pathology.
- Pelvic osteomyelitis is a rare but serious bone infection.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old woman presented with an intramuscular abscess in the right iliac fossa.
- Imaging revealed an extraperitoneal fistula connecting the abscess to the iliac ala.
Findings:
- The abscess was linked to an asymptomatic focus of osteomyelitis (bone infection) in the iliac ala.
- No intra-abdominal pathology was identified to explain the abscess.
Implications:
- Pelvic osteomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal wall abscesses, especially when intra-abdominal findings are absent.
- This case underscores the need for thorough investigation beyond typical intra-abdominal sources for abdominal wall infections.
- Early suspicion and diagnosis of pelvic osteomyelitis can prevent complications and guide appropriate treatment.