Rare Case of Primary Anterior Abdominal Wall Abscess: Ultrasound, CT, and MRI Features.

Parag S Mahajan,Hanan Farghaly,Jouhar J Kolleri

doi:10.7759/cureus.20618

Abstract

Primary anterior abdominal wall (AAW) abscess is a rare condition that can present clinically as an abdominal disorder and baffle even the most experienced clinicians. We discuss ultrasound, CT, and MRI features of a rare case of primary anterior abdominal wall abscess that was confirmed by histopathological findings.

Highlights

Primary anterior abdominal wall (AAW) abscess is a rare pathology owing to the limited vascularity of the AAW
Primary AAW abscesses may appear as a solitary pathology without any intra-abdominal pathologic findings and may be associated with diabetes, immunocompromised status, etc
We present a case of a 78-year-old man who presented with abdominal mass which was further investigated and diagnosed to be a primary pyogenic AAW abscess which was incised and drained

Summary

Introduction

Primary anterior abdominal wall (AAW) abscess is a rare pathology owing to the limited vascularity of the AAW. Ultrasound of the abdomen was done which showed a mixed solid and cystic lesion with irregular margins in the deep anterior abdominal wall in the epigastrium in midline (Figure 1). CT scan of the abdomen with contrast demonstrated an ill-defined complex lesion with a large central hypodense component of fluid attenuation and irregular thick enhancing wall in the AAW in midline in the epigastric region located a few centimeters above umbilicus (Figure 2). It was primarily centered along linea alba with anterior extension into the deep subcutaneous plane and bulging posteriorly. Post-procedure hospital stay was uneventful, and he got discharged home with follow up in the surgical outpatient clinic

Discussion

Conclusions

Disclosures

Eisenstat S