Pyomyositis of the M. quadriceps femoris in an 8-month-old boy following pneumococcal meningitis
Berg, R.P.; Smets, A.M.J.B.; Bosman, D.K.; Besselaar, P.P.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 149(40): 2228-2231
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 16235801 Document Number: 589419
An 8-month-old boy developed pyomyositis of the M. quadriceps femoris following meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The child had no underlying immune defect. Conservative treatment with antibiotics led to complete clinical and radiological resolution of the infection. In Europe, pyomyositis is rarely seen in children. Pyomyositis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in children with fever and complaints of joint pain or myalgia. Ultrasound and MRI are helpful techniques for establishing the diagnosis and for differentiating pyomyositis from other pathological conditions. Treatment consists of adequate antibiotics and in some cases drainage.