Iliopsoas abscess is a rare diagnosis in children. We recently encountered two cases which were managed at our institution. A 11-year female presented with thigh and inguinal swelling while 3-year male child presented with limp and fixed flexion deformity of right leg. Due to the differing presentation, imaging studies are often important before management is planned. Ultrasound scan is the most common investigation followed by computerized tomography (CT) scan in a selected few. The girl underwent a CT scan followed by incision and drainage (I&D) of the iliopsoas abscess while the boy underwent ultrasound-guided pigtail catheter insertion. Both cases were successfully treated. Atypical presentation of iliopsoas abscess makes the diagnosis difficult and requires a high degree of clinical suspicion for making correct diagnosis. Imaging studies help with diagnosis in such cases. Less invasive techniques like image-guided aspiration and catheter drainage can be helpful in carefully selected cases.
Keywords: Iliopsoas abscess, Atypical presentation, Percutaneous drainage, Pediatric.
Atypical presentation of pyogenic iliopsoas abscess in two cases
