Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Pediatric pyogenic sacroiliitis and osteomyelitis
Sushant Srinivasan1, Carl Miller1, Nour Akhras1
1Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Insights
Pyogenic sacroiliitis, a rare septic arthritis, is challenging to diagnose but has an excellent prognosis. Early MRI and prolonged antibiotic treatment are key for managing this uncommon joint infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Rheumatology
Background:
- Pyogenic sacroiliitis is a rare form of septic arthritis, comprising 1-2% of cases.
- Fewer than 200 cases have been reported in English literature since 1900.
- Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen identified in joint fluid cultures.
Observation:
- Diagnosis can be difficult due to the rarity of pyogenic sacroiliitis and its non-specific clinical presentation.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most effective imaging modality for diagnosis.
- Two pediatric cases of pyogenic sacroiliitis managed at a tertiary-care university hospital are presented.
Findings:
- Despite diagnostic challenges, the prognosis for pyogenic sacroiliitis is generally excellent.
- Treatment typically involves prolonged antimicrobial therapy, usually lasting six to nine weeks.
- This case series and literature review highlight management strategies for this rare condition.
Implications:
- Increased awareness and utilization of MRI can improve early diagnosis of pyogenic sacroiliitis.
- Understanding treatment protocols, including prolonged antibiotic courses, is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
- Further research into this rare condition may refine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Abstract:
Pyogenic sacroiliitis accounts for 1-2% of all cases of septic arthritis with less than 200 cases reported in the English literature since the beginning of the twentieth century. Cultures of joint fluid usually grow Staphylococcus aureus. Prognosis is excellent; however, diagnosis may be difficult due to rarity of disease and non-specific signs, symptoms, and physical findings. Magnetic resonance imaging has been found to be the most useful imaging modality in diagnosis. Most reported cases required prolonged antimicrobial therapy of six to nine weeks. Presented here are two children with pyogenic sacroiliitis managed at a tertiary-care, university hospital and review of the literature on this relatively rare diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Viral Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
