Spontaneous retroperitoneal abscess caused by streptococcus pyogenes

Abstract

The retroperitoneum is a potential space that can be infected by several microbes. We describe the case of a 38- year-old woman who was presented to us with abdominal pain and fever for 6 days. Laboratory studies showed leukocytosis (WBC=18000) and an ubnormal liver function tests (AST=91U/l, ALT=122U/l, ALP=277U/l). A computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a retroperitoneal abscess, while the abdominal viscera were normal. Culture of the pus, obtained during surgical drainage, showed Streptococcus pyogenes. Although streptococcal infections are
very usual in clinical practice, streptococcus pyogenes has been reported as a very rare cause of spontaneous retroperitoneal abscess, especially for immunocompetent
patients. The patient was treated first with intravenous antibiotics with no response, and then with surgical drainage, with fully recovery.
Key words: Streptococcus pyogenes, abscess, retroperitoneum