Cure8 research brief
Iliopsoas abscess is an uncommon but serious penetrating complication of Crohn’s disease that can present with non-specific symptoms and be missed. The review compiles case-level evidence about presentation, diagnosis, microbiology, and outcomes to help clinicians recognize and manage this complication.
Adults with Crohn’s disease, gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons, emergency and radiology clinicians involved in diagnosis, and patients with recurrent or deep-seated infections.
This systematic review pooled 53 case reports and series describing iliopsoas abscess (IPA) complicating Crohn’s disease. It summarizes how patients presented, which imaging tests were used (CT, ultrasound, MRI), microbiology from abscess cultures (mostly polymicrobial enteric organisms), and common treatments: antibiotics plus drainage or surgery.
The authors emphasize that recurrence was more likely when drainage alone was performed without addressing the underlying intestinal disease.
Management noted in the review typically combined source control (percutaneous or surgical drainage), antimicrobial therapy, and definitive management of Crohn’s disease—often surgical resection—with later consideration of biologic therapy when appropriate.
If you or a clinician suspect an iliopsoas abscess in someone with Crohn’s disease, a high index of suspicion and cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRI) are important for early diagnosis. The review highlights multidisciplinary care to control infection and treat the bowel disease to reduce recurrence.
This paper is a systematic review of case reports and small case series (53 studies, 86 patients), so findings summarize heterogeneous, often retrospective case-level data rather than prospective trials. Management recommendations reflect patterns in published cases rather than randomized evidence.
Review the original publication for the complete reporting, methods, and context.
This Cure8 brief is based on source text from the linked article. Cure8 is informational only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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