Iliopsoas abscess: etiology, pathogenesis, methods of diagnosis and treatment (literature review)

Iliopsoas abscess comprises a frequently missed and late-diagnosed pathology that can be encountered by specialists of various profiles. Depending on the etiology and pathogenesis, iliopsoas abscess can be primary, if the infectious process initially develops in the iliopsoas muscle, or secondary, if the infection spreads from another inflammatory focus. The disease often has non-specific clinical manifestations and, in secondary abscesses, may be masked by symptoms of the underlying disease. The most informative diagnostic methods include CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging. In the case of early detection and adequate treatment, the prognosis is generally good. Untimely treatment can lead to such serious complications as purulent leakage into neighboring areas, severe sepsis, septic shock, and persistent functional disorders. Without treatment, the mortality rate reaches 100%. To date, no uniform approaches to the management of patients with iliopsoas abscess has been developed.