Abstract

Pyomyositis is a primary bacterial infection of the skeletal muscles. It is known as tropical myositis as most cases have been reported in patients living in tropical areas and, until recently, it was considered unusual in the temperate zone. The condition is usually diagnosed late, and for this reason it is followed by an increased morbidity and sometimes a significant mortality rate. A review of the literature indicates a possibly rising incidence in non-tropical areas. This condition should be considered in patients with muscle pain, fever, leucocytosis, elevated ESR and CRP, in tropical and non-tropical countries, in previously healthy patients as well as in patients suffering other health problems, particularly HIV infection. An MRI investigation should be performed early as it is the imaging technique of choice during the first stage of the disease. A case of a primary iliopsoas pyomyositis diagnosed during the initial stage using MRI is presented as an illustration.