Psoas abscess in children

In children, psoas abscess does not head the list in the differential diagnosis of the child who presents with a limp or lower abdominal pain. Therefore, the road to this diagnosis can be long and complicated leading to numerous studies and specialty consultations. Over a 7-year period, seven psoas abscesses have been drained surgically. All were Staphylococcal though one was mixed. In each case, the original admitting diagnosis was that of septic arthritis of the hip. In general, this diagnosis was ruled out by negative hip aspirations and bone scans. Often, the severity of symptoms led to persistent evaluation with noninvasive tests such as gallium scan, intravenous pyelogram, or barium enema. Though these tests were often suggestive, a positive ultrasound or CT scan was the key studies diagnostic enough to warrant surgical exploration and drainage. During this time period, there have been no negative explorations for psoas abscess. Upon surgical drainage, all patients improved, with subsequent recovery of hip function. The child who presents with a limp or painful hip should be considered for ultrasonography or computerized tomography once hip pathology is ruled out. We feel that the results of other tests such as gallium scan, IVP, or barium enema are not sufficiently specific to indicate surgery.