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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Abscess in a Pediatric Patient
Biruk Almaz1, Rosmeld Castillo1, Christopher Nemeh1
1Surgery, Rutgers University, Newark, USA.
Abstract:
Retroperitoneal abscesses are relatively uncommon in infants and children. They carry a high rate of morbidity due to insidious onset and pose a diagnostic challenge. Here we report a case of spontaneous retroperitoneal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in a two-year-old patient. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics and surgical washout and drainage. A retroperitoneal abscess is usually found in patients with a history of osteomyelitis, seeding of post-traumatic pelvic hematomas, post radiation, or perforated hollow viscus including but not limited to: perforated appendicitis, bowel perforations due to foreign objects or malignancy, or perforated diverticulitis. Most of these conditions are usually found in the adult population. As per a recent literature search, there are no reported cases of a spontaneous retroperitoneal MRSA abscess in the pediatric population without risk factors.
Insights
This case report details a rare spontaneous retroperitoneal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in a pediatric patient. The child recovered fully with prompt antibiotic treatment and surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Infections
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Retroperitoneal abscesses are infrequent in children and often present diagnostic challenges.
- Typical causes include osteomyelitis, trauma, radiation, or gastrointestinal perforations, predominantly in adults.
- Spontaneous retroperitoneal infections, especially in pediatric patients without predisposing factors, are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A two-year-old patient presented with a spontaneous retroperitoneal abscess.
- The causative agent was identified as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- The patient had no identifiable risk factors typically associated with retroperitoneal abscesses.
Findings:
- The pediatric patient with spontaneous MRSA retroperitoneal abscess was successfully treated.
- Treatment involved a combination of antibiotics and surgical washout and drainage.
- This case highlights a unique presentation of MRSA infection in a young child.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of spontaneous retroperitoneal abscesses in pediatric patients.
- It underscores the importance of considering MRSA in pediatric abscesses, even without typical risk factors.
- Early diagnosis and combined medical-surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in such rare pediatric infections.
