Pediatric pyomyositis: clinical and microbiological features of a case series from a tertiary hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay

Abstract

Introduction: Pyomyositis is a rare but potentially serious infection in children.  Objective: To describe the clinical, microbiological, and imaging features of a case series of children with pyomyositis. Methodology: An observational, descriptive study of patients under 15 years diagnosed with pyomyositis at a tertiary hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay, between 2018 and 2023, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and microbiological cultures. Results: Ten cases were identified, with a mean age of 5.5 years. In nine patients, the infection was in the lower extremities. The most common clinical presentation included local pain, fever, and claudication. Staphylococcus aureus was the causative agent in 90% of cases. All cases were confirmed by MRI and cultures. Percutaneous drainage was performed in six patients, and all received intravenous antimicrobial treatment, with favorable outcomes and no complications. Conclusions: Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. The MRI was crucial for diagnosing and locating the infection. Treatment with antibacterial agents and percutaneous drainage was effective in most cases.