title: Primary retroperitoneal abscess extending to the calf.
abstract: A 77-year-old man with diabetes mellitus presented with a 2-month history of lumbago radiating to the right lower limb as well as high fever spikes. Physical examination revealed a distended abdomen with right lower quadrant tenderness. A computed tomographic scan of the abdomen revealed a large right retroperitoneal cavity containing an air-fluid level that was consistent with a gas-producing abscess. The patient began receiving intravenous antibiotics, but fever and abdominal pain persisted and a large, fluctuating, tender swelling appeared on the medial aspect of his right thigh and right calf. The patient underwent surgical exploration: a right lateral abdominal incision was performed, and the pus collection in retroperitoneal space was completely evacuated. We also made 3 separate incisions on the medial aspect of the right thigh and 1 incision on the upper calf, resulting in the drainage of pus. The patient made a slow but steady recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Manerbio Hospital, Brescia, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Puccio
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Solazzo
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chiodini
mesh_terms: D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D003646:Debridement; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space