Buttock abscess

Case contributed by Jeremy Jones
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Right hip pain for 5 days. Admitted with fevers. Tachycardic. Concern for infection.

Patient Data

Age: 13 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Unable to abduct right leg. Increased soft-tissue density over right buttock. Given that this is the same side as the symptoms, this could represent an abscess. However, underlying malignancy is also a concern.

ultrasound

Large ovoid complex fluid-filled structure within the right buttock. Features of an abscess which fits the clinical picture. MRI to assess deep structures and bones would be appropriate.

mri

Isolated 10 cm abscess with capsule enhancement and diffusion restriction. No bony involvement. No other abnormality.

Case Discussion

The patient was taken to the operating theater and the abscess was incised and drained surgically. She made an uncomplicated recovery.

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