Tubercular Iliopsoas Abscess: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

A psoas (or iliopsoas) abscess is an accumulation of pus in the region of iliopsoas muscle compartment. In regions where Mycobacterium tuberculosis is endemic, this is a frequent cause of psoas abscess. When an inguinal mass in a patient with a psoas abscess is painless, tuberculosis is a more likely cause than a bacterial infection. Here, the author report a rare case of psoas abscess of tubercular origin in a 31-year-old patient who presented with back pain and limping, with features of inflammation. Diagnosis was done based on history, physical examination, ultrasonography, microbiological investigation and Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) scan of abdomen which revealed a large psoas abscess caused by M. tuberculosis. Patient was diagnosed with a psoas abscess due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis with secondary infection and treated empirically with Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) category I and antibiotics. He presented again with a chest abscess due to Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) tuberculosis.

Keywords

• contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan
• incision and drainage
• psoas abscess
• tuberculosis