Acute pyogenic psoas abscess in a child with nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Introduction Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common kidney disease in children. Children with NS are immunocompromised, more susceptible to bacterial infections and primary peritonitis is a welldescribed complication. Infections are the important cause of morbidity and mortality in nephrotic children. The unique defence mechanisms of the peritoneal cavity promote localization resulting in the formation of abscesses. Even though peritonitis is a well described entity in NS, intra-abdominal abscesses are very rare. A literature search did not reveal psoas abscess as a complication in NS. In children who present with a limp or lower abdominal pain, psoas abscess does not head the list in the differential diagnosis. We report a psoas abscess in a child with NS who presented with lower abdominal pain and limping of the right leg.