TITLE:
Acute Generalized Peritonitis Revealing a Ruptured Psoas Abscess: A Case Presentation
AUTHORS:
Biwole Biwole Daniel, Orok Tambe Orok, Eya Mvondo Eric Stephane, Mvondo Onana Pierre Valery, Essomba Arthur
KEYWORDS:
Psoas Abscess, Primary Psoas Abscess, Secondary Psoas Abscess, Intraperitoneal Fistulization
JOURNAL NAME:
Surgical Science,
Vol.17 No.5,
May
18,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Psoas abscess is a rare and complex entity with poor clinical manifestation. The etiologies are usually in relation to the neighboring structures. Imaging modalities help in diagnosis and guide therapeutic decisions. Complications are rare and generally associated with a delayed diagnosis. Case Presentation: We are presenting the case of a 55-year-old male immune-compromised patient who presented with an acute generalized peritonitis and was found at laparotomy to have an intraperitoneal rupture of a psoas abscess. We performed peritoneal lavage, drainage, post-operative broad spectrum antibiotherapy and resuscitation which were unsuccessful since the patient died on the 4th day post-operative. Conclusion: Delayed diagnosis of a complicated psoas abscess in an immunocompromised patient can lead to a fatal outcome despite surgery and antibiotics.