Nontropical Pyomyositis: Analysis of Eight Patients in an Urban Center

Abstract

Nontropical pyomyositis is rare and usually associated with immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study assessed manifestations and response to treatment of nontropical pyomyositis in an area with a high prevalence of HIV seropositivity. We undertook a chart review of eight consecutive patients treated for pyomyositis—primary infection of skeletal muscles—from 1988 through 1998. All patients complained of myalgia; four (50%) had fever and six (75%) had leukocytosis. Muscles involved were deltoid, quadriceps, gluteus, and psoas. Six (75%) patients had identifiable risk factors for pyomyositis: HIV seropositivity (two), history of intravenous drug abuse (one), chronic paraplegia and malnutrition (one), diabetes and chronic renal failure (one), and leukemia (one). One patient had had streptococcal pharyngitis previously but was otherwise healthy; another, a 2-year-old, had no evidence of underlying disease. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated (50%). Four patients were treated with incision and drainage plus antibiotics; the remaining four patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics only; all recovered. Nontropical pyomyositis, which is often associated with HIV seropositivity or chronic illness, has a favorable outcome. Treatment can be effective even without surgical intervention.