Geramei V. Tejada

BSN-III

PYOMYOSITIS

Pyomyositis, also known as tropical pyomyositis or myositis tropicans, is a bacterial infection of the skeletal muscles which results in a pus-filled abscess. It occurs in tropical areas and people with weak immune systems are the most vulnerable.

Epidemiology

Pyomyositis is most often caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The infection can affect any skeletal muscle, but most often infects the large muscle groups such as the quadriceps or gluteal muscles.

Symptoms

Presentation with painful, tender, localized swelling over muscle

Fever Epidural abscess

Complications

Life-threatening complications include sepsis and toxic shock syndrome.

Causes

The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Pyomyositis:

Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus Group A

Diagnostic Procedure•CT scan or MRI demonstrates muscle abscess.•Aspiration of abscess (by surgery or CT/US guided) yields pus, usually yielding S. aureus•Bacteremia may accompany.

TreatmentMedical Care•Promptly administer systemic antibiotics. This could eliminate the need for surgical drainage in selected cases.•The choice of antibiotic is determined by identification of the causative organism.•Antibiotics initially are given intravenously until clinical improvement isnoted, followed by oral antibiotics for a total course of 3 weeks (eg, cefazolinor ceftriaxone IV followed by cephalexin PO).Surgical Care•During the suppurative phase, abscess aspiration under ultrasonic or CT guidance may berequired. Surgical drainage is especially necessary for large abscesses.•Complicated cases may require fasciotomies and debridement.