title: Retroperitoneal abscess. A potentially fatal complication of closed fracture of the pelvis.
abstract: Two patients were seen in whom a retroperitoneal abscess developed following closed pelvic fracture. A retroperitoneal abscess is often unsuspected clinically, and presents a difficult diagnostic challenge. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to patient survival.
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D000077:Acetabulum / Q000293:injuries; D000328:Adult; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications*; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007512:Ischium / Q000293:injuries; D008297:Male; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D011630:Pubic Bone / Q000293:injuries; D011859:Radiography; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging