Adrenal abscess in a neonate due to gas-informing organisms: a diagnostic dilemma.

A case of adrenal abscess due to bacteroides and peptostreptococcus in a 16-day-old infant is presented. The clinical manifestations consisted of a huge abdominal swelling associated with fever and lethargy. This is the first case report of an adrenal abscess due to gas-forming organisms, a finding which makes the preoperative diagnosis more difficult. Surgical drainage, subtotal excision of the abscess wall under cover of antibiotics and preservation of the ipsilateral kidney were followed by survival.