Diagnostic dilemma of primary neonatal iliopsoas abscess

Abstract Background Primary iliopsoas abscess is extremely rare in neonates and overlooked easily. It is potentially curable with surgical drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotics if diagnosed early. Case presentation A 13-day-old neonate was presented with a swelling and bluish discoloration on the left thigh and groin. There was a restriction of movement of the left lower limb, and he developed high grade fever later on, during hospital stay. In spite of a great dilemma, we could finally reach the diagnosis of primary iliopsoas abscess, performed surgical drainage, and controlled ongoing sepsis. At 3 months follow-up, the patient was doing well and there was no asymmetry in appearance of movements. Conclusion High index of suspicion, vigilant clinical examinations, and targeted laboratory investigations with imaging studies are of paramount importance in establishing its diagnosis. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties and re-evaluates the representative features of neonatal iliopsoas abscess and its management.