Case Report

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Difficulties in Retroperitoneal Abscess

Authors: Anuradha Tunuguntla, MD, Rafi Raza, MD, Larry Hudgins, MD

Abstract

Abscesses developing within the retroperitoneal spaces are complicated and serious infections. These abscesses present insidiously, leading to considerable mortality and morbidity. A high clinical suspicion can help diagnose and treat this potentially fatal illness. Computed axial tomography is the best diagnostic modality for retroperitoneal abscess. Computed tomographic scan is useful, not only for diagnosing the retroperitoneal abscess, but can be used for therapeutic drainage of abscesses in high-surgical-risk patients. We present an illustrative case of retroperitoneal abscess and discuss the pathogenesis of retroperitoneal abscess, diagnosis, and treatment.


Key Points


* Retroperitoneal abscess is a serious surgical infection and is often misdiagnosed or suspected late in its clinical course.


* The early use of abdominal computed tomography avoids other less productive studies, rendering it cost-effective and most definitive for diagnosing retroperitoneal abscess.


* Treatment consists of surgical drainage with broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage.

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