Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

06:02
Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
Published on: March 2, 2020
11.9K
Psoas Abscess From Spinal Tuberculosis Mimicking Appendicitis: A Case Report.
Abdalla Fathi Salih1, Shameen Malik1
1Internal Medicine, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackburn, GBR.
Cureus
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Spinal tuberculosis (TB), or Pott's disease, can present atypically, mimicking appendicitis with a psoas abscess. Early imaging and multidisciplinary care are crucial for diagnosing and treating this condition, especially with drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Report
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB), particularly spinal TB (Pott's disease), is increasingly recognized globally.
- Atypical presentations can lead to diagnostic challenges, especially in developed countries.
- Psoas abscesses are a known complication of spinal TB.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
1.8K
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
1.8K
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
4.4K
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...
4.4K
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
936
Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
936
Atypical Pneumonia
84
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease...
84
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
21
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...
21
Appendicitis
29
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...
29

