Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 15, 2025
Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
Lumbar Salmonella osteomyelitis with psoas muscle abscess in a patient with prostate cancer
Martinez-Hernandez Lucia1, Portos-Silva Jose Manuel2, Larraya-Indaberea Jose Angel2
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Español, Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract:
Salmonella osteomyelitis is a rare clinical entity more commonly described in grounds of sickle cell disease however some cases has been described in patients without this pathology but an immunocompromised state, which also predisposes to the development of a psoas abscess. We present the case of a 77-year-old man with persistent hip pain and recent diagnosis of prostate cancer who developed lumbar osteomyelitis and a secondary psoas abscess due contiguous spread. Treatment included a third-generation cephalosporine and fluoroquinolone without surgical drainage with a good prognosis overall.
Insights
Salmonella osteomyelitis is rare, often linked to sickle cell disease. This case highlights a non-sickle cell patient with prostate cancer who developed lumbar osteomyelitis and a psoas abscess, successfully treated with antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
Background:
- Salmonella osteomyelitis is uncommon, typically associated with sickle cell disease.
- Immunocompromised states increase susceptibility to Salmonella osteomyelitis and psoas abscess.
- Prostate cancer can be an underlying immunocompromising condition.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old man with prostate cancer presented with hip pain.
- Lumbar osteomyelitis and a secondary psoas abscess were diagnosed.
- The abscess resulted from contiguous spread from the infected lumbar vertebrae.
Findings:
- Successful non-surgical management of lumbar osteomyelitis and psoas abscess.
- Treatment involved a third-generation cephalosporin and fluoroquinolone.
- The patient achieved a good overall prognosis without surgical intervention.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of Salmonella osteomyelitis in non-sickle cell patients.
- It underscores the importance of considering osteomyelitis and abscess in immunocompromised individuals with persistent pain.
- Non-surgical antibiotic therapy can be effective for complex Salmonella infections in select patients.
