Perinephric and psoas abscesses leading to empyema: An unusual tuberculosis presentation

Abstract

Tuberculous psoas abscess usually results from tuberculous spondylitis but may also develop from direct spread or via hematogenous route [1]. Our case involves direct spread from an adjacent perinephric abscess with associated thoracic extension from suspected direct erosion or a diaphragmatic defect. We present a case of pleural empyema arising from abdominal tuberculous abscesses. This is an 11-year-old male who initially presented with a three-week history of cough, intermittent fever, and dyspnea. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia was first suspected at the emergency department when an opacified left hemithorax with cystic lucencies was noted. Further imaging of the chest and upper abdomen was done in our institution revealing large left perinephric and psoas abscesses with intra-thoracic extension resulting in empyema thoracis and necessitans. Culture of the abscess fluid yielded no growth but GenExpert tested positive for M. tuberculosis. Tuberculosis remains a major illness in developing countries and has a multitude of infection sites and clinical presentation. Our case presented as an ascending thoracic extension of a perinephric and psoas abscess, likely from a diaphragmatic defect. The absence of spinal involvement proves its renal origin. The importance of CT scan is highlighted in medically-confounding cases such as this one.