Psoas muscle tuberculosis in Greece: report of two cases

Between January 2013 and January 2014, two patients with lower left abdominal pain were admitted to Sotiria Chest Diseases Hospital, Athens, Greece. They were diagnosed with psoas muscle tuberculosis based on the results of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests and radiological findings from chest X-rays and computed tomography. Administration of antitubercular chemotherapy reduced the inflammation, while clinical symptoms significantly improved within the first three weeks. Patients were discharged from the hospital two months later. Their follow-up consists of monthly check-ups, while continuing the anti-tuberculosis treatment successfully. We underline the importance of keeping a high suspicion of muscle tuberculosis in patients with psoas abscess, which, although not a seldom phenomenon, it should be taken into consideration as an etiology of muscular disease not only in regions where tuberculosis is endemic but also in countries with high incidence of immigrants or refugees originating from such areas.