Skip to main content
Log in

Retroperitoneal abscess: A presentation of colon carcinoma

  • Published:
Gastrointestinal Radiology Aims and scope

Abstract

Retroperitoneal abscess as an initial manifestation of carcinoma of the colon is unusual. Inappropriate management of an unrecognized lesion is invariably fatal. Awareness of this uncommon presentation can lead to a precise preoperative diagnosis and appropriate therapy. The possibility of a perforated colon carcinoma should be considered in instances of unexplained retroperitoneal mass and infection, and a barium enema performed on all such patients. The authors report 3 cases and illustrate the radiological features of retroperitoneal abscesses due to perforated colon carcinoma.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Muir EG: The diagnosis of carcinoma of the colon and rectum.Br J Surg 44:1–7, 1956

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Gerzof SG, Gale ME: Computed tomography and ultrasonography for diagnosis and treatment of renal and retroperitoneal abscesses.Urol Clin North Am 9:185–193, 1982

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Colley DP, Farrell JA, Clark RA: Perforated colon carcinoma presenting as a suprarenal mass.Comput Tomogr 5:55–58, 1981

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Gerzof SG, Robbins AH, Birkett DH: Computed tomography in the diagnosis and management of abdominal abscesses.Gastrointest Radiol 3:387, 1978

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Feldman MA, Cotton RE, Gray WM: Carcinoma of the colon presenting as left perinephric abscess.Br J Surg 55:1–21, 1968

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Fischelowitch J, Yadov S, Lazebnick J: Perinephric abscess as a presenting sign of carcinoma of the colon.Am J Proctol 22:111–114, 1971

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Meiraz D, Schuzman E, Frisher Z, Servadio C, Ben-Bassat M: Carcinoma of the descending colon causing perinephric abscess.Am J Proctol Gastroenterol Colon Rectal Surg 31:25–26, 1980

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Desai DG, Rodko EA: Perforation of the colon in malignant tumors.J Can Assoc Radiol 24:344–349, 1973

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Kelley WE, Brown PW, Lawrence W, Terz JJ: Penetrating, obstructing and perforating carcinomas of the colon and rectum.Arch Surg 176:381–384, 1981

    Google Scholar 

  10. Cooke RV: Advanced carcinoma of the colon with emphasis on the inflammatory factor.Ann R Coll Surg Engl 18:46–61, 1956

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Shucksmith HS: Subcutaneous abscess as the first evidence of carcinoma of the colon.Br J Surg 50:514–515, 1963

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Meyer HI: The reaction of the retroperitoneal tissues to infection.Am Surg 99:246–250, 1934

    Google Scholar 

  13. Altermeier WA, Alexander JA: Retroperitoneal abscess.Arch Surg 83:512–524, 1961

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Maglinte, D.D.T., Pollack, H.M. Retroperitoneal abscess: A presentation of colon carcinoma. Gastrointest Radiol 8, 177–181 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01948116

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01948116

Key words

Navigation