Bilateral extensive leg pyomyositis presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis

Abstract

Pyomyositis is a rare and serious acute purulent bacterial infection of the skeletal muscle. Diabetes is the most important predisposing factor and, if left untreated, the infection has significant complications. We report the case of an adult male who presented acutely with a history of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and bilateral thigh pain. His abdominal examination was unremarkable, but a fluctuant swelling was identified in both thighs. Biochemical investigations revealed raised inflammatory markers and diagnostic chemistry of diabetic ketoacidosis. Pyomyositis was treated with intravenous antibiotics and surgical abscess drainage. MRI is the definitive investigation of choice to diagnose pyomyositis. Differential diagnoses include cellulitis, septic arthritis and deep vein thrombosis.