An unusual case of spontaneous bacterial myositis

Non-tropical pyomyositis

Pyomyositis occurred in a man who had not been to the tropics. The condition is common in the tropics but most unusual in temperate climates and is nearly always caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Pyomyositis must be borne in mind in obscure cases of sepsis, as early recognition and treatment are essential to prevent a fatal outcome.

Pyomyositis: tropical disease in a temperate climate

Two cases of pyomyositis or bacterial abscess of striated muscle in adults are presented. One patient was initially diagnosed as having acute thrombophlebitis of the lower extremity. Computerized tomography was helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis. The other patient presented with a closed compartment syndrome following blunt trauma. Both patients responded to open drainage and antibiotic therapy, although the diagnosis was delayed for over three weeks in one patient. Although common in the tropics, pyomyositis is unusual in the temperate zone. Unfamiliarity with this entity remains the major obstacle to appropriate management.

Bacterial pyomyositis in a patient with aplastic anaemia

Bacterial pyomyositis is common in the tropids but is rare in temperate climates. A patient with aplastic anaemia who had never left the continental United States developed bacterial pyomyositis secondary to Staphylococcus aureus which responded to antibiotics and surgical drainage. Bacterial pyomyositis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever and myalgias in the immunocompromised patient.

Pyomyositis. Review of 205 cases in 112 patients

A study of pyomyositis, a pyogenic infection of the muscle, in 112 patients is presented. The etiologic role of suggested factors remains unclear. Early recognition and aggressive management with antibiotics, incision, and drainage usually lead to rapid resolution. Accordingly, the clinical findings are presented, and criteria for diagnosis are suggested.