{"title":"\"Iliacus muscle abscess as an unexpected cause of posterior hip pain in a healthy young adult female\": a case report.","authors":"Caleb Weihao Huang, Mathew Yi Wen Yeo","doi":"10.1186/s12245-024-00668-4","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Iliacus muscle abscess is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition that can present with nonspecific symptoms, posing diagnostic challenges. This case report highlights the importance of considering iliopsoas abscess in patients presenting with fever and hip pain, especially in the absence of obvious risk factors or penetrating trauma. The novelty of this case lies in its atypical presentation mimicking a respiratory viral infection and musculoskeletal injury, impeding accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A previously healthy 21-year-old female who had a mechanical fall 3 weeks prior presented with fever, right hip pain, and respiratory symptoms, initially suggestive of a respiratory infection and musculoskeletal injury. However, initial investigations revealing a markedly high C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration prompted further computed tomography (CT) imaging of her abdomen and pelvis, which uncovered an iliopsoas abscess presumably stemming from antecedent trauma. Subsequent CT guided aspiration along with culture-sensitive antibiotics led to successful treatment and resolution of her symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case emphasizes the importance of considering iliopsoas abscess as a possible differential, even in young patients without typical risk factors. Markedly elevated inflammatory markers such as CRP concentrations can serve as a vital indicator, directing attention towards the possibility of septicemia or the presence of an occult abscess, facilitating prompt imaging and accurate diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":13967,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Emergency Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0000,"publicationDate":"2024-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11253457/pdf/","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"International Journal of Emergency Medicine","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00668-4","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"EMERGENCY MEDICINE","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Iliacus muscle abscess is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition that can present with nonspecific symptoms, posing diagnostic challenges. This case report highlights the importance of considering iliopsoas abscess in patients presenting with fever and hip pain, especially in the absence of obvious risk factors or penetrating trauma. The novelty of this case lies in its atypical presentation mimicking a respiratory viral infection and musculoskeletal injury, impeding accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Case presentation: A previously healthy 21-year-old female who had a mechanical fall 3 weeks prior presented with fever, right hip pain, and respiratory symptoms, initially suggestive of a respiratory infection and musculoskeletal injury. However, initial investigations revealing a markedly high C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration prompted further computed tomography (CT) imaging of her abdomen and pelvis, which uncovered an iliopsoas abscess presumably stemming from antecedent trauma. Subsequent CT guided aspiration along with culture-sensitive antibiotics led to successful treatment and resolution of her symptoms.
Conclusions: This case emphasizes the importance of considering iliopsoas abscess as a possible differential, even in young patients without typical risk factors. Markedly elevated inflammatory markers such as CRP concentrations can serve as a vital indicator, directing attention towards the possibility of septicemia or the presence of an occult abscess, facilitating prompt imaging and accurate diagnosis.
期刊介绍:
The aim of the journal is to bring to light the various clinical advancements and research developments attained over the world and thus help the specialty forge ahead. It is directed towards physicians and medical personnel undergoing training or working within the field of Emergency Medicine. Medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine will also benefit from the journal. This is particularly useful for trainees in countries where the specialty is still in its infancy. Disciplines covered will include interesting clinical cases, the latest evidence-based practice and research developments in Emergency medicine including emergency pediatrics.