Paraparesis in a patient with Crohn disease resulting from septic arthritis of the hip and psoas abscess.

A psoas abscess is a recognized complication of Crohn disease. Less commonly, septic arthritis has been described with this entity. The occurrence of both these complications together in Crohn disease is quite rare. A 56-year-old patient with Crohn disease presented with weakness and pain in both lower extremities. Computerized body tomograms demonstrated a large psoas abscess with fistulous connections to the bowel as well as extending into the capsule of the left hip joint. X-ray examination revealed evidence of acute septic arthritis. Electromyographic studies demonstrated lumbosacral plexus involvement bilaterally. The patient subsequently underwent ileocolectomy with drainage of the left psoas abscess, followed by extensive inpatient rehabilitation. Some immediate strength improvement was noted bilaterally. At discharge, the patient remained paraparetic. In patients with known history of Crohn disease, a psoas abscess should be considered when there are symptoms of lower extremity pain, hip flexion contractures, and progressive weakness.