Related Experiment Videos

Spinal epidural abscess due to tropical pyomyositis in immunocompetent adolescents

Donnell K Bowen1, Lex A Mitchell, Mark W Burnett

  • 1Departments of Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics
|July 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Pyomyositis, a rare skeletal muscle infection, can spread to the epidural space causing spinal epidural abscess (SEA). Early diagnosis of this paraspinal pyomyositis and SEA is challenging but crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Pyomyositis, a bacterial skeletal muscle infection, is increasingly reported in temperate climates.
  • Paraspinal pyomyositis is rare but can lead to spinal epidural abscess (SEA).

Observation:

  • The authors present two cases of pyomyositis with associated SEA.
  • Diagnosis of SEA is often delayed due to non-specific symptoms and unfamiliarity with pyomyositis.

Findings:

  • Pyomyositis can present atypically, complicating early SEA diagnosis.
  • This study reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of paraspinal pyomyositis with SEA.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of pyomyositis is needed for neurosurgical providers to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of SEA.
  • This review aids in understanding and managing this uncommon but serious condition.

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Toxoplasmosis01:28

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...