Streptococcal myositis

Clinical Cases 20.11.2003
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Section: Musculoskeletal system
Case Type: Clinical Cases
Patient: 22 years, female
Authors: Elmadbouh H
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Details
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AI Report

Clinical History

A previously healthy young female presented with multi-organ failure and bilateral swollen legs.

Imaging Findings

A previously healthy young female brought by ambulance to the accident and emergency department with a one-week history of fever and swelling of both legs. On examination, she was in shock with respiratory failure and mild renal impairment. Both her legs were oedematous, right more than the left with purple discoloration to the skin. CT of the abdomen was negative except for swelling of the gluteal and proximal thigh muscles (Fig1). MRI of both thighs showed oedema of the fascial planes and muscles with large volume of fluid deep to left tensor fascia lata (Fig 2). Ultrasound guided aspiration drew pus. Emergency open wound debridement was performed. This confirmed the diagnosis of myositis. A blood culture grew group A, B-haemolytic streptococci.

Discussion

Group A streptococci (GAS) are a rare cause of myositis, involving mostly adult patients in tropical regions [1]. Only 21 cases of streptococcal myositis or myonecrosis were reported between 1900 and 1985. Additional cases have been described in more recent reports [2,3]. Streptococcal myositis is associated with a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from a subacute localized form with good prognosis to a serious acute presentation involving rapidly progressive disease, shock, multiple organ failure and a high case fatality rate (80 to 100%). Our patient had the more serious form of the disease, having presented with bacteremia, shock and respiratory failure.
Although intense pain may be the only presenting symptom, the diagnosis of streptococcal myositis is generally suggested by the presence of swelling of the involved muscle tissue, fever and cutaneous alterations such as erythema or purple discoloration, petechiae or vesicles. Ultrasonography, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can be valuable adjuncts to confirming the diagnosis by revealing edema of muscle tissue, abscess formation and inflammation [1]. A raised serum CPK can also be helpful in supporting the diagnosis.
Necrotizing fasciitis, a more common form of invasive GAS disease, can generally be distinguished from streptococcal myositis during surgical exploration. However, these two clinical conditions have overlapping characteristics and may be present simultaneously in the same patient [4].
The mainstay of treatment for GAS pyomyositis is surgical debridement in addition to parenterally administered antibiotics.

Differential Diagnosis List

Streptococcal myositis

Final Diagnosis

Streptococcal myositis

Liscense

Figures

CT of the thighs

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CT of the thighs

MRI of the thighs: T1-weighted (a) and STIR-weighted (b) images

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MRI of the thighs: T1-weighted (a) and STIR-weighted (b) images
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MRI of the thighs: T1-weighted (a) and STIR-weighted (b) images