[Psoas abscesses--still a current problem in Denmark]

Two cases of secondary, non-tuberculous psoas abscesses are presented, stressing that psoas abscesses are not restricted to tuberculous diseases of the spine (Pott's disease). In one case, the aetiology was diverticulitis with perforation located to the left colonic flexure. The patient was treated by a two-step operative procedure creating drainage and a primary anastomosis, which in the post-operative course was leaking. The patient died because of recurrent abscess formation and sepsis. The other patient received an aorto-bifemoral prosthesis two years prior to the current hospitalisation, and a bilateral psoas abscess appeared in the presence of this prosthesis. In both cases, the psoas abscesses presented below the inguinal ligament before diagnosis was made and even in the latter case with a delay of several months.