Iliacus abscess with radiculopathy mimicking herniated nucleus pulposus: Aadditional diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

An iliacus abscess is an extremely rare cause of low back pain. With an iliacus abscess, the classical signs seen with a psoas abscess are frequently absent. Therefore, a timely diagnosis at the initial visit is difficult and inadequate treatment usually results in high mortality. Here, we report the case of 19-year-old man who presented with acute low back pain with radiculopathy and was ultimately diagnosed with an iliacus muscle abscess.

Keywords: Low back pain, Radiculopathy, Iliacus muscle, Abscess, Magnetic resonance imaging