# An unusual case of an extensive post-injection retroperitoneal abscess in an intravenous drug user

## TL;DR

A 32-year-old intravenous drug user developed a rare and severe abdominal infection after a drug injection in the leg.

## Contribution

This case highlights the unusual complication of retroperitoneal abscess in intravenous drug users.

## Key findings

- The patient presented with high fever, hiccoughs, and back pain due to a retroperitoneal abscess.
- The abscess was caused by an intravenous injection in the left femoral vein.
- Such cases are rare and can lead to significant health risks if not diagnosed promptly.

## Abstract

Retroperitoneal abscesses constitute an uncommon, complex, and life-threatening intra-abdominal infection. The insidious nature of the presentation, coupled with the presence of non-specific clinical symptoms, might result in misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, ultimately contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Herein we report a case of a 32-year-old intravenous drug user who presented to the emergency department complaining of high-grade fever, intense hiccough, and back pain due to retroperitoneal abscess formation after intravenous injection in the left femoral vein.