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An Unresolving Case of Pyomyositis: A Case Report
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hospital Duchess of Kent, Sandakan, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Pyomyositis which is also known as myositis tropicans is a rare condition where there is bacterial infection of the skeletal muscle. Its manifestation includes pain and tenderness of the affected muscle and general infective symptoms. It commonly occurs in immunocompromised individuals and patients with previous history of trauma to the affected muscle. We report a case of a 16-year-old boy with history of underlying bronchial asthma who presented with multiple abscesses. He underwent multiple operations to drain the infection and targeted antibiotic therapy subsequently. Despite undergoing surgical debridement, drainage and antibiotic treatment, he was still having repeated bouts of fever and his inflammatory markers were not reducing. He was then diagnosed with concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis infection which subjected him to an immunosuppressed state thus arising to the condition of pyomyositis and unresolving fever. The patient then made prompt improvement when the underlying cause of immunosuppression; pulmonary tuberculosis was treated as well.
Insights
Pyomyositis, a rare bacterial skeletal muscle infection, can be challenging to treat. This case highlights how treating concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis resolved persistent pyomyositis in an immunocompromised adolescent.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
Background:
- Pyomyositis, or tropical myositis, is a bacterial infection of skeletal muscle, often seen in immunocompromised individuals or those with trauma.
- Clinical presentation includes muscle pain, tenderness, and systemic signs of infection.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old boy with asthma presented with multiple abscesses, initially treated with surgery and antibiotics.
- Despite aggressive treatment, the patient experienced persistent fever and elevated inflammatory markers.
Findings:
- Concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis infection was diagnosed, leading to an immunosuppressed state and unresolving pyomyositis.
- Treatment of the underlying tuberculosis resulted in prompt improvement of the pyomyositis and fever.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering and investigating underlying immunosuppressive conditions in refractory pyomyositis.
- Effective management of pyomyositis requires addressing both the direct infection and any predisposing factors, such as latent infections like tuberculosis.
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