Pyomyositis in the United States 2002–2014

Septic emboli from pyomyositis

“…[1][2][3] Pyomyositis is a relatively rare bacterial infection within muscle often associated with suppuration and formation of abscesses. Although its prevalence is higher in the tropics, accounting for 1%-4% of admissions, 4 this entity has greatly increased in frequency in temperate countries 5 where most cases occur in adults and 75% of these in the immunocompromised. 6 S. aureus is the most common pathogen isolated in up to 90% from blood cultures or surgical specimens.…”

“…11,12 The most frequently compromised muscles are in the lower extremities, especially the femoral quadriceps, iliopsoas and buttocks. 5,13 Usually, one muscle is affected but multiple involvement is not rare. The course of pyomyositis can be divided into three stages: local symptoms; formation of abscesses; and then bacteraemia.…”

Emergency physician–performed bedside ultrasound of pyomyositis

“…2,3 There are several known risk factors associated with pyomyositis, which include human immunodeficiency virus, diabetes mellitus, hematologic malignancies, rheumatologic disease, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, and malnutrition. [1][2][3][4] Patients with underlying comorbidities have higher mortality rates and prevalence of gram-negative bacterial infections. 5 The overall mortality rate of pyomyositis is ≈5%, which is typically attributed to multiorgan failure from severe sepsis or septic shock.…”

“…Pyomyositis is a bacterial infection, predominantly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is characterized by progressive inflammation of skeletal muscle and intramuscular abscess formation. [1][2][3] This condition is rare in temperate climates, although with an increasing incidence in the United States. 2,3 There are several known risk factors associated with pyomyositis, which include human immunodeficiency virus, diabetes mellitus, hematologic malignancies, rheumatologic disease, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, and malnutrition.…”

Diabetic ketoacidosis and unilateral thigh pain

“…Factors predisposing to nontropical pyomyositis include immunosuppression, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (DM), injection drug use, concurrent infection and trauma. 1 Aetiology is believed to be transient bacteraemia with metastatic infection in skeletal muscle. Pyomyositis typically affects the thigh, gluteal or calf muscles, although multiple muscle groups may be involved in 20%.…”