Retroperitoneal abscess: A presentation of colon carcinoma

Abstract

Retroperitoneal abscess as an initial manifestation of carcinoma of the colon is unusual. Inappropriate management of an unrecognized lesion is invariably fatal. Awareness of this uncommon presentation can lead to a precise preoperative diagnosis and appropriate therapy. The possibility of a perforated colon carcinoma should be considered in instances of unexplained retroperitoneal mass and infection, and a barium enema performed on all such patients. The authors report 3 cases and illustrate the radiological features of retroperitoneal abscesses due to perforated colon carcinoma.

Psoas abscess and cellulitis of the right gluteal region resulting from carcinoma of the cecum

“…34 Three patients with retroperitoneal abscess as a consequence of colon carcinoma have also been reported. 35 Classically, Altemeier and Alexander 11 in 1961, reviewed 189 cases of retroperitoneal abscess and found that only 6 were due to colon cancer. The low incidence of psoas abscess caused by colon carcinoma in these reports may reflect an underestimation, because a larger number of cases caused by Crohn's disease were included in these series than in Japanese series.…”

Midline extraperitoneal approach for bilateral widespread retroperitoneal abscess originating from anorectal infection

“…Retroperitoneal abscesses can develop because of the spread of an infection from the adjacent organs. Known causes of retroperitoneal abscesses include renal infections [3] , osteomyelitis [5] , colon carcinoma [6] , diverticulitis [7] , Crohn’s disease [8] , pancreatitis [9] , and appendicitis [10] . Anorectal abscesses resulting from anal gland infection are usually located below the puborectalis muscle, which exerts a strong pressure preventing superior extension of the abscess.…”

Right Gluteal Abscess: An Unusual Presentation of Perforated Caecal Adenocarcinoma

“…General or localised extra colonic spread is seen more frequently with neoplasms than with inflammatory conditions [15]. This is thought to be efficient "walling off" and localisation by the primary inflammatory process while tumour penetration is said to be facilitated by the outstripping of its blood supply by rapid growth and subsequent necrosis [16]. Retroperitoneal abscess are serious conditions associated with prolonged morbidity and high mortality unless diagnosed early.…”