Case Report

Dual Perinephric and Prostatic Abscesses from Methacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Authors: Aaron A. R. Tobian, MD, PhD, Scott K. Ober, MD, MBA

Abstract

Perinephric and prostatic abscesses may present with protean symptoms and often arise from ascending urinary tract infections. Both abscesses are often caused by uropathogens, and only on rare occasions is the etiology due to methacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Perinephric and prostatic abscesses have never been reported to occur together. We present a 56-year-old male with poorly controlled diabetes that had recently begun performing daily self-digital rectal examinations, who presented with a three day history of urinary symptoms. The patient had bilateral costovertebral angle tenderness and a boggy, tender, enlarged prostate. Blood and urine cultures showed MRSA. CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated right perinephric abscess and prostatic abscess. This case report illustrates the potential for simultaneous perinephric and prostatic abscesses by MRSA.


Key Points


* This case report is novel since there are no previously reported cases of simultaneous perinephric and prostatic abscesses and only two previously reported cases of MRSA prostatic abscesses.


* Due to the high mortality of this condition, even when treated correctly, it is important for clinicians to have heightened awareness of this condition to begin treatment promptly.

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