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Point-of-care Ultrasound Identification of Iliopsoas Abscess in Emergency Department: A Case Report

Nehal A Al-Sadhan1, Otto Liebmann2, Kristin H Dwyer2

  • 1King Fahad Medical City, Department of Emergency Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|September 14, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) aids in early diagnosis of rare iliopsoas abscesses. This imaging technique can expedite identification in emergency department patients, potentially reducing mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Radiology
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Iliopsoas muscle abscesses are uncommon but carry high mortality.
  • These abscesses are frequently misdiagnosed due to non-specific symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis is critical for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the utility of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in diagnosing iliopsoas abscesses.
  • To demonstrate how POCUS can facilitate expedited diagnosis in the emergency department.
  • To discuss the identification of iliopsoas abscesses using POCUS.

Main Methods:

  • A case report of a 45-year-old male presenting with severe lower back pain and systemic symptoms.
  • Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed at the bedside.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan to confirm POCUS findings.

Main Results:

  • POCUS revealed bilateral iliopsoas abscesses in the emergency department.
  • CT confirmed the presence of bilateral iliopsoas abscesses.
  • The patient's presentation included fever, weight loss, and malaise.

Conclusions:

  • POCUS is a valuable tool for the early detection of iliopsoas abscesses.
  • Bedside ultrasound can expedite diagnosis and treatment initiation for iliopsoas abscesses.
  • Integrating POCUS into emergency department protocols can improve outcomes for patients with suspected iliopsoas abscess.

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