CT of inflammatory disease of the psoas muscle.

Computed tomography (CT) findings in eight cases of psoas inflammatory disease are described retrospectively. Because of its exquisite retroperitoneal imaging capabilities, CT proved to be an ideal tool in evaluating suspected disease in this area. Clinically, the deep position of psoas abscesses has made diagnosis problematic. In addition, many radiographic signs of psoas inflammation have provided only indirect evidence, such as displacement of the ureter or alteration of the psoas margin. The organ-specific information available with CT makes detection more efficient and diagnosis more certain. Especially when coupled with percutaneous aspiration biopsy, CT has proved an effective and rapid means of diagnosing and guiding the therapy of psoas abscess.