PYOMYOSITIS IN CHILDREN

Bacterial infections of muscle, also known as pyomyositis or tropical pyomyositis, occur more commonly in tropical regions. This article rev iews five cases of pyomyositis diagnosed in children over a 1-year per iod. Pyomyositis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of septic-appearing children as well as children complaining of joint pa in or muscle aches. The diagnosis can be aided with either a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The MRI is p referable because multiple processes can be evaluated, such as joint e ffusion suggesting septic arthritis. If the patient does not respond q uickly to antibiotics and surgical intervention, either there is a rec urrence of the previously debrided abscess, or there is an unrecognize d secondary abscess. Multiple abscess sites should be entertained prio r to initial debridement.