“Iliacus muscle abscess as an unexpected cause of posterior hip pain in a healthy young adult female”: a case report
Dublin Core
Title
“Iliacus muscle abscess as an unexpected cause of posterior hip pain in a healthy young adult female”: a case report
Subject
Iliacus abscess, Iliopsoas abscess, Hip pain
Description
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.
Keywords Iliacus abscess, Iliopsoas abscess, Hip pain
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.
Keywords Iliacus abscess, Iliopsoas abscess, Hip pain
Creator
Caleb Weihao Huang1* and Mathew Yi Wen Yeo1
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00668-4
Date
2024
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Caleb Weihao Huang1* and Mathew Yi Wen Yeo1, ““Iliacus muscle abscess as an unexpected cause of posterior hip pain in a healthy young adult female”: a case report,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 26, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12388.