International Journal of Surgical Research 2013, 2(4): 31-33
DOI: 10.5923/j.surgery.20130204.01
Ruptured Right Gluteal Abscess with Type II Diabetes
Mellitus
Andee Dzulkarnaen Zakaria
1,*
, Wan Zainira
1
, Syed Hassan
1
, Mohamad Sadiq Abdul Rashid
2
,
Tanvee r Azam
2
, Amer Hayat Khan
2
1
Department of Surgery, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kelantan, Malaysia
2
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia
Abstract Ruptured Gluteal abscess of unknown origin is not common in diabetic individuals. We report a case of gluteal
abscess due to the non-compliance. Patient was 59 years old male with sign of ketoacidosis. Primarily patient was admitted
due to disorientation and constitutional symptoms with lethargic feeling. Physicians observed an abscess on the buttock on
examination when patient showed signs of restlessness and anxiety. The patient was treated successfully for surgical abscess
drainage and a six week therapeutic regimen including tramadol, and Ampicillin and sulbactum were given to counter the
infection. Treating an abscess in diabetic navies needs a complete follow up plan to avoid any opertunisic infection.
Keywords Gluteal Abscess, Soft Tissue Infection, Diabetes Mellitus
1. Introduction
Accumulation of fluid in tissue due to the inflammatory
process secondary to any infection is known as abscess.
Foremost, abscess appears as a hard lump surrounded by
inflamed tissue with a feeling of warmth and pain. Abscess
can appear in any tissue region. Pelvic abscess can be result
of intramuscular injection, trauma or colon surgery[1, 2].
Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, E. Coli, Staphylococcus
lugdunensis, Staphylococcus aureus, M. chelonae, M.
fortuitum and M. abscessus are important microorganisms
that are associated with gluteal abscess[1, 3]. Gluteal abscess
grow in perianal area and are formed under the skin on the
subcutaneous plane of the buttock muscle, secondary to any
infection[4]. Injecting drug user are more likely develop
gluteal abscess due to the unhygienic injection[5, 6].
Immunocompromised and diabetic individuals remain at
high risk of developing bacterial infections and management
of such infection needs an aggressive treatment approach[7].
Gluteal abscess is uncommon in such individual[8]. We are
presenting a case of gluteal abscess in a diabetic naive
without any known cause.
2. Case Presentation
A 59 year male presented with chief complaint of pain at
the site of gluteal swelling for two weeks with regular pus
* Corresponding author:
andee@kb.usm.my (Andee Dzulkarnaen Zakaria)
Published online at http://journal.sapub.org/surgery
Copyright © 2013 Scientific & Academic Publishing. All Rights Reserved
discharge and low grade fever. Patient had type II diabetes
for 12 years and history of treatment for unstable angina.
Random blood glucose level (BGL) was 27.8 mmol/l with
high blood pressure (161/92) and normal body temperature,
upon arrival. Patient was already prescribed with Isordil
10mg, Antrapid 14u, 1000u/H, Aspirine 150mg, clopidogrel,
Atrovastatin, insulatard 14u, Ramipril 5mg and bisoprolol
2.5mg. However, patient was noncompliant to his
medication. When admitted, patient was lethargic with stable
physical profiles. Clinical examination revealed a tender
swelling on right gluteal region measuring 10 x 10 cm.
Laboratory investigations showed a normal blood picture
except a slight increase in white blood count. Moreover,
chest and spine X-ray were both clear.
Operation was considered for pus drainage from gluteal
swelling. Sliding scale insulin regimens was started to lower
the BGL and patient was further initiated on metformin,
Ampicillin and sulbactum were indicated for abscess while
tramadol for pain. About 23cc pus was aspirated under
general anaesthesia and was sent for pathology examination.
Therapy was continued with insulin, metformin, tramadol,
Ampicillin and sulbactum, atorvastatin with regular dressing
change. Patient recovered completely after six weeks fallow
up and was discharged from the hospital. Proper counselling
was provided to the patient about use of medication to avoid
future complications.
3. Discussion
Diabetic patients remain at risk of developing soft tissue
infection[9]. Patient in this case was non-compliant to his
medication, had a high blood glucose level and hence, was at