Iliopsoas abscess: treatment by CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage

Eight cases of iliopsoas abscess were diagnosed and treated by computed tomographic (CT)-guided needle aspiration and percutaneous catheter drainage. The etiology varied but was definitely established in only four of eight cases. Seven of eight were successfully drained and surgery avoided. The eighth patient defervesced satisfactorily but ultimately required surgical debridement of a sacral osteomyelitis. Clinical, anatomic, and technical considerations for percutaneous drainage of iliopsoas abscesses are discussed. CT was essential both in early diagnosis and in guiding diagnostic needle aspiration and catheter placement. Image-guided percutaneous drainage appears to be the treatment of choice for iliopsoas abscess.