Psoas Abscess and Pott's Disease Masked by Concomitant Invasive Staphylococcus aureus Disease: A Case of Misleading Diagnosis

Cureus. 2023 Oct 25;15(10):e47679. doi: 10.7759/cureus.47679. eCollection 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Psoas abscess is a rare infection classified as primary or secondary depending on the etiology of infection. Staphylococcus aureus is considered the most frequent causative agent. Nevertheless, psoas abscess persistent lack of improvement or any relapse after successful treatment should remind us to exclude other potential diagnoses. Although less frequently, Pott's disease is still one of the predisposing causes, especially in patients with immunocompromised status. This clinical condition has an indolent course and requires a high index of suspicion to avoid severe morbidity. Early recognition and targeted treatment are the principal means of ensuring tuberculosis control. Here we report a very interesting case of a psoas abscess and Pott's disease in a patient suffering from a misleading diagnosis of invasive staphylococcal disease.

Keywords: adult intensive care; coinfection; general surgery; methicillin-susceptible staphylococcus aureus infection; psoas abscess; spinal tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports