Description

A man aged 45 years, with a history of recurrent urolithiasis and pyelonephritis, presented with a 3-month history of fever. Physical examination revealed a nodule in his right inguinal area. CT with contrast showed a right iliopsoas abscess that extended to the inguinal area and a right urethral stone (figure 1). Drainage under fluoroscopic guidance was performed, and the contrast was injected into the cavity from the drainage tube to assess the abscess cavity. The contrast study demonstrated a connection between the urethra and abscess cavity (figure 2). The patient was administered 1 g cefotiam every 8 hours. Blood, urine and fluid cultures from the abscess were positive for Escherichia coli. Surgical drainage and right nephrectomy was performed. The patient was discharged 3 months after the surgery without any complication. The penetration of an iliopsoas abscess into the urinary tract is extremely rare, while the symptoms present in various ways. An iliopsoas abscess can be classified as primary or secondary. In general, secondary iliopsoas abscess occurs as a result of direct expansion of a nearby infection into the iliopsoas.1 Therefore, we believe this abscess was formed secondary to chronic urolithiasis and pyelonephritis. To suspect an iliopsoas abscess, physicians must be aware of the underlying conditions such as recurrent urolithiasis and urinary tract infections, which can lead to the pathogenesis of the abscess.

• Download figure
• Open in new tab
• Download powerpoint

Figure 1

Contrast CT scan revealed a right iliopsoas abscess extending to the inguinal and a right urolithiasis.

• Download figure
• Open in new tab
• Download powerpoint

Figure 2

Injection of contrast from the drainage tube demonstrated a connection between the ureter and abscess cavity.