Ann Dermatol Vener
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Psoas abscess is a rare clinical entity that occurs chiefly after intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal infection. We report two cases of psoas abscesses caused by group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection having a cutaneous portal of entry. ⋯ Psoas abscess can occur after locoregional infection and the portals of entry are usually gastro-intestinal, musculoskeletal or genitourinary, with many organisms capable of causing such secondary abscesses. Psoas abscess can also be a primary clinical event. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative organism. The presented cases comprised secondary psoas abscesses with a cutaneous portal of entry. Since the complete set of three evocative symptoms (prolonged fever, pain and psoitis) is frequently seen late, diagnosis must be made on the basis of prolonged infectious state or unaccountable feverish abdominal pain. Diagnosis is based on abdominal CAT scan and treatment involves the use of appropriate antibiotics as well as percutaneous or surgical drainage of the abscess. The mortality rate in this patient population remains high with survival being dependent on prompt initiation of therapy.