Retroperitoneal abscess and omphalitis in young infants

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica 2003-01, Vol.92 (1), p.122-125
• Main Authors: Feo, CF, Dessanti, A, Franco, B, Ganau, A, Iannuccelli, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abdominal mass; Bacterial diseases; Bacterial diseases of the digestive system and abdomen; Biological and medical sciences; Hernia, Umbilical; Human bacterial diseases; Humans; ilio-psoas abscess; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infectious diseases; Male; Medical sciences; newborn; omphalitis; retroperitoneal abscess; Retropharyngeal Abscess - diagnostic imaging; Retropharyngeal Abscess - microbiology; Staphylococcal Infections - complications; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography; Umbilicus - diagnostic imaging; Umbilicus - microbiology
• ISSN: 0803-5253; 1651-2227
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2003.tb00483.x

Aim: To evaluate the aetiopathogenetic factors in cases of retroperitoneal abscess in young infants, particularly the correlation with omphalitis. Methods: We describe the cases of two infants, aged 8 and 3 wk, respectively, with a history of omphalitis during the first weeks of life and subsequent development of a retroperitoneal abscess. Both infants underwent surgical drainage of the abscess. Results: In case 1, Staphylococcus aureus was found in cultures from abscess pus, and in case 2 from umbilical pus, abscess purulent material and blood. Both infants are in good health after a follow‐up of 6 mo and 8 y, respectively. Conclusion: Retroperitoneal abscesses in young infants are usually considered to be idiopathic. A correlation with omphalitis was found in both of the reported cases and it is thought that this could have been due to an aetiopathogenetic factor. Furthermore, we stress the importance of suspicion of retroperitoneal abscesses for early diagnosis and treatment, and discuss the therapeutic strategies.