Iliopsoas abscess in patients receiving hemodialysis: a case series and a literature survey

Background: Iliopsoas abscess is a relatively rare but serious infectious disease. Infectious disease is one of the major causes of death among patients receiving hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Case presentation: We experienced three cases of iliopsoas abscess in patients receiving hemodialysis. The infection route was distinct in each case. A 79-year-old woman with ESRD due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease exhibited bilateral iliopsoas abscesses caused by bacterial contamination during a lumbar epidural block procedure. A 60-year-old woman with ESRD due to diabetic nephropathy was diagnosed as having an iliopsoas abscess, caused by the direct invasion of bacteria from a renal abscess. A 78-year-old woman who started hemodialysis because of nephrosclerosis developed an iliopsoas abscess caused by the hematogenous spread of bacteria from emphysematous cystitis. All three cases were treated with antibiotics and/or percutaneous drainage. A survey of published reports suggested that iliopsoas abscess can be caused by infection through a variety of routes in hemodialysis patients. Conclusion: Because hemodialysis patients are at a high risk of infection because of their immunocompromised state, physicians should pay close attention to infection prevention. If iliopsoas abscess is suspected, examinations such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and blood culture sampling should be conducted promptly, followed by appropriate treatment with antibiotics and/or drainage.