Tropical pyomyositis (pyomyositis tropicans) in a child: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Tropical pyomyositis is a disease commonly seen in the tropics; it is characterized by suppuration within the skeletal muscles. Presentation is commonly as a single abscess but multiple abscesses could occur. The disease is not commonly seen in children less than 2 years of age.
Methods: This is a presentation of an 18 months old child with tropical pyomyositis to make physicians aware of the possibility of tropical pyomyositis in a case of a child presenting with fever, inability to walk, pains and swellings in the limbs.
Results: The child responded well to antibiotics and drainage of abscesses.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis can be lifesaving for this condition. Effective treatments usually result in excellent prognosis.

Keywords: Tropical pyomyositis, Limbs, Pains, Swellings, Child.