Pyomyositis is an uncommon acute
bacterial infection of the skeletal muscle. It is sometimes referred to as "tropical
pyomyositis" because it has been primarily reported as an endemic disease in tropical regions. In temperate climates, it is mainly diagnosed in immunocompromised persons, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus
infection,
malignancy, diabetes, and various other medical conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial
therapy for
pyomyositis are important, however, it is often missed in its early stage. Herein, we report the case of a patient with
obesity and well-controlled diabetes in whom rapid onset
pyomyositis developed in only 2 days after chest
contusion and induced
bacteremia in its early stage. He was successfully treated by antimicrobials without any drainage or surgical intervention. Even in patients with well-controlled diabetes or in healthy persons,
pyomyositis should be considered for patients who present with
fever and muscle swelling and
pain, especially when they have
obesity and a history of blunt
trauma. It should also be noted that
pyomyositis, mimicking muscle
contusion or
hematoma can appear very early after blunt muscle
trauma. Prompt diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment for
pyomyositis can lead to a favorable outcome, without surgical drainage.