Iliopsoas Hematoma and Abscess Formation as a Complication of an Anterior Abdominal Penetrating Injury: a Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND: Abdominal stab wounds are common in clinical practice. However, the development of psoas muscle abscess following such an injury is extremely rare. Moreover, literature surrounding psoas muscle hematoma formation as a consequence of penetrating abdominal injury is scarce. OBJECTIVE: We report a case of psoas abscess formation following the development of psoas hematoma in a patient who suffered from a penetrating abdominal injury. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old Indian male presented to the Emergency department with multiple abdominal cut and stab wounds as a result of physical assault. A computed tomography scan revealed injuries to the ascending colon along with hemoperitoneum and right psoas muscle hematoma. Exploratory laparotomy was performed in which a right hemicolectomy and a right psoas muscle evacuation were successfully achieved along with multiple drainage tubes placed. Six days later, a peritoneal fluid culture tested positive, and a computed tomography scan revealed right psoas muscle collection which was diagnosed as an abscess. Treatment of the abscess included antibiotics and ultrasound-guided drainage. Patient was eventually discharged but was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: The development of iliopsoas abscess and hematoma as a consequence of abdominal penetrating injuries is a rare occurrence. Diagnosis can be made by computed tomography imaging and examination of the drained fluid. Managing a case with both of these rare phenomena can be challenging due to the scarce literature highlighting and comparing the different management modalities.