Primary psoas abscess as a complication of postpartum: A case report

Abstract

Primary psoas abscess is an uncommon yet critical factor contributing to postpartum sepsis. This report is of a case of postpartum primary psoas abscess in a 24-year-old Moroccan woman. After an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, a 24-year-old primiparous Moroccan woman presented to our hospital with a 3-week history of severe left-sided lower abdominal pain that radiated to the anterior aspect of the left thigh. She had been taking ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and paracetamol for a week without any improvement. On examination, she was febrile and pale. The laboratory analysis revealed the presence of microcytic anemia, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and an increased level of C-reactive protein. Computed tomography scans of the abdomen, and pelvis were conducted, revealing a substantial left psoas abscess. Under the guidance of computed tomography, anterior abdominal percutaneous drainage of the abscess was successfully performed. A pan-sensitive Streptococcus agalactiae strain was identified through culture of the specimen. The patient showed a favorable response to treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanate and gentamicin. This case illustrates that primary psoas abscess should be considered in cases of any postpartum infectious presentation.