Psoas Abscess: A Possible Missed Diagnosis in the Emergency Department

TL;DR

A 70-year-old woman was misdiagnosed with a respiratory infection but later found to have a rare psoas abscess linked to appendicitis.

Contribution

This case emphasizes the importance of considering psoas abscess in patients with non-specific symptoms and hip pain.

Findings

The patient was initially misdiagnosed with a lower respiratory tract infection.

A secondary psoas abscess was diagnosed after readmission due to worsening symptoms.

The abscess was successfully treated after the correct diagnosis was made.

Abstract

A woman in her 70s was admitted to the Emergency Department with non-specific symptoms, such as fever, cough, dysuria, and hip pain with limited mobility, along with elevated inflammatory markers. She was initially diagnosed with a lower respiratory tract infection. However, she was readmitted to the hospital three days later due to worsening symptoms. The patient was eventually diagnosed with a secondary psoas abscess caused by underlying appendicitis and was successfully treated. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of psoas abscess and underscores the importance of considering this uncommon condition in patients presenting with hip pain, fever and elevated inflammatory markers.

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