A Case with an Extensive Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Abscess

Abstract

A case of an extensive idiopathic retroperitoneal abscess is presented. A 64-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of vomiting and fever. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed the presence of retroperitoneal emphysema and a retroperitoneal abscess that extended bilaterally. The patient was initially treated conservatively, however, the retroperitoneal emphysema and abscess appeared to deteriorate. Percutaneous drainage of the abscess was performed, but the effect was insufficient. Therefore, laparotomy was performed for drainage. The cause of the retroperitoneal abscess was unclear. The patient was diagnosed as having an extensive idiopathic retroperitoneal abscess. After further antibiotic administration and drainage treatment, the patient was discharged from the hospital after four months of hospitalization.