[Iliopsoas abscess and systemic lupus erythematosus]

Iliopsoas muscle abscess (IPA) is an uncommon condition, and it is usually associated with immunosuppression. Three out of a cohort of 552 patients diagnosed of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) developing an IPA, are reported herein. Patients showed fever and other symptoms related to SLE. They improved only partially under SLE therapy, and showed pain suggestive of IPA. It was confirmed by CT in all cases. S. aureus was isolated in one patient (primary IPA), and M. tuberculosis in the others. Specific antimicrobial therapy and surgical drainage were required. In summary, SLE might be considered as a risk condition for the development of IPA, due to the immunosuppression inherent in the disease and its treatment.