Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
Don't Forget the Flu - Determining the Etiology of Infective Myositis in a Child: A Case Report
Lauren M Crowley1, Richard J Mazzaccaro2, Amy Lewis Dunn3
1University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Campus, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Introduction:
Infective myositis is an acute, self-limited condition, rarely occurring in children with recent viral infections. The condition is often overlooked by emergency physicians when endeavoring to exclude other diagnoses included in the differential. Diagnosis of the condition can be difficult when based purely on clinical presentation because it shares symptoms with much more concerning neurological illnesses. A few simple laboratory tests are indicated to reach the correct diagnosis.
Case Report:
The following case report describes a three-year-old female diagnosed with a recent upper respiratory tract infection presenting to the emergency department with complaints of fatigue and inability to walk. She was diagnosed with an influenza-like illness three days prior by her pediatrician, the symptoms of which had mostly resolved by the time of presentation.
Conclusion:
Muscle weakness and abnormal, uncoordinated gait with an acute upper respiratory tract infection in a child may be cause for concern, prompting unnecessary work-up. Emergency physicians should be aware of the signs and symptoms of influenza-associated infective myositis in children, especially during influenza season.
Insights
Influenza-associated infective myositis can cause acute muscle weakness in children following viral infections. Awareness of this condition helps emergency physicians avoid unnecessary work-ups for neurological illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Infective myositis is an acute, self-limited condition in children, often following viral infections.
- It is frequently overlooked by emergency physicians due to overlapping symptoms with serious neurological conditions.
- Clinical diagnosis can be challenging, necessitating simple laboratory tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the clinical presentation of influenza-associated infective myositis in a pediatric case.
- To inform emergency physicians about this condition during influenza season.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a three-year-old female with recent upper respiratory tract infection.
- Presentation to the emergency department with fatigue and inability to walk.
- Previous diagnosis of influenza-like illness.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a neurological condition.
- Influenza-associated infective myositis was diagnosed.
- Simple laboratory tests were crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Acute muscle weakness and gait abnormalities in children with URI warrant consideration of infective myositis.
- Emergency physicians should recognize signs of influenza-associated infective myositis, especially during flu season.
- Early recognition can prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
01:14Myocarditis III: Medical Management
01:22Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...