Retroperitoneal abscess: 7-year experience of 29 cases in a tertiary care center in Taiwan

Abstract

ObjectiveRetroperitoneal abscess is a rare condition with an insidious onset and difficult diagnosis. It can occur from various origins. To analyze our experiences, we conducted a case series study of retroperitoneal abscess cases in our hospital. Materials and methodsTwenty-nine patients in whom retroperitoneal abscesses were diagnosed at our hospital were reviewed from January 2007 to January 2014 for the purpose of analyzing the presenting symptoms, diagnostic tools, microbiology, treatment methods, and mortality. ResultsOf the 29 patients reviewed, a genitourinary origin was the most common source and accounted for 51.7% of the patients, and perinephric abscess was the main type of abscess. Diabetes mellitus, previous surgery, and an immunocompromised condition were common factors. The common clinical manifestations were fever (65.5%), back pain (37.9%), and abdominal pain (20.7%). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathogen (31.3%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (25%). A polymicrobial pathogen accounted for 13.8% of infections. An anaerobic pathogen was only found in one case of gastrointestinal origin. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were found to be accurate diagnostic tools with sensitivities of 88.5% and 100%, respectively. Percutaneous drainage was commonly performed for abscesses of genitourinary origin, whereas surgical drainage was preferred in abscesses of gastrointestinal origin. The overall mortality rate was 3.4%, with one death reported. ConclusionRetroperitoneal abscesses exhibit an insignificant clinical manifestation and varied origin. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were shown to be reliable tools for early diagnosis. K. pneumoniae was found to be a prevalent pathogen in the Taiwanese patients, especially in cases of perinephric abscess. The treatment methods for retroperitoneal abscess varied according to the origin and presentation.