Introduction: Illiopsoas abscess (IPA) in children, and especially in neonates, is an uncommon condition which is difficult to diagnose clinically. The major presenting symptoms of IPA are leg or groin swelling, limitation of leg motion, and pain. The role of ultrasound and computed tomography in the diagnosis has been demonstrated, and the need for antibiotic therapy is emphasized. In our study, a rare neonatal case of IPA is reported and its findings and outcome are compared with the other reports.
Case Report: A 30-day-old baby boy was referred due to leg or groin swelling, limitation of leg motion and agitation while passive movements of the left leg. Ultrasonographic (US) evaluations showed a retroperitoneal collection extending to the left illiopsoas region under the left kidney, which was also confirmed by CT-scanning. He was successfully treated with US-guided percutaneous drainage as a supplement to antibiotic therapy.
Conclusion: The analysis of these cases and of those previously reported indicates that although the incidence of IPA in neonates is rare, the triad of leg or groin swelling, limitation of leg motion, and pain could facilitate diagnosis. Also, imaging is essential for diagnosis and drainage in association with antibiotic therapy may represent the first-choice treatment of this disease.