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Potentially life-threatening emergency
Retroperitoneal abscess
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed
Potentially life-threatening emergency

Retroperitoneal abscess

Contributors: Neil Mendoza MD, Paritosh Prasad MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

A retroperitoneal abscess is a collection of pus in the retroperitoneal space.

These abscesses may occur as the result of hematogenous seeding in the setting of bacteremia (eg, in the case of psoas abscesses), by contiguous spread, perforated viscus, or as a complication of pancreatitis or pyelonephritis.

Patients may present acutely or subacutely depending on the etiology of the abscess. Typical symptoms include fever and back or pelvic pain. A lumbar mass can sometimes be appreciated. Urinary symptoms may be present in the case of a renal abscess.

Risk factors for this infection depend on the etiology of the abscess. Patients with diabetes or who are immunosuppressed are at increased risk. Previous urologic surgery is associated with renal abscess.

Related topic: Perinephric Abscess

Codes

ICD10CM:
K68.19 – Other retroperitoneal abscess

SNOMEDCT:
32362007 – Retroperitoneal abscess

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Therapy

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Last Updated:03/23/2017
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Potentially life-threatening emergency
Retroperitoneal abscess
A medical illustration showing key findings of Retroperitoneal abscess : Abdominal pain, Fever, Low back pain, Pelvic pain, Dysuria
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.