How does pyomyositis present clinically?
Pyomyositis is rarely observed in developed countries but is still commonly diagnosed in Africa and India. Patients are usually in late stage disease with CD4+ counts <200/μL. It presents with fever, local muscle pain, erythema, swelling, and leukocytosis. This uncommon infection typically involves the quadriceps muscle, and a single abscess is present in 75% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus is identified in the vast majority, but opportunistic infections may occur. Patients are diagnosed using ultrasound, computed tomography scan, MRI, and cultures. Patients respond to conventional surgical drainage and antibiotics.
