A case report on postpartum psoas abscess: A rare complication of caesarean delivery

Abstract

Psoas abscess is a rare medical condition caused by the formation of a collection in and around the psoas muscle. It can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary causes include staphylococcus aureus infection or spreading from a distant area via haematological or lymphatic route, whereas secondary causes are often an extension of inflammatory process near the psoas muscle. This includes collection around the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae, or collection around the pelvic brim. These are the origin and insertion sites of the psoas muscle. Psoas abscess formation secondary to caesarean section is uncommon, with only a few known cases reported. We describe a case of psoas abscess secondary to caesarean section, diagnosis and management. This case illustrates the nonspecific presentation of psoas abscess and clinicians should possess a high degree of suspicion and consider psoas abscess as a diagnosis.