Pyomyositis: early detection utilizing multiple imaging modalities

Abstract

Pyomyositis represents 3% to 4% of surgical admissions in East Africa, however, there were no reported cases in the United States prior to 1971. Since, there have been numerous reports of this entity. Four recent cases are presented utilizing multiple imaging modalities including magnetic resonance. MR was very sensitive to early soft tissue inflammatory processes and demonstrated these focal abscesses with superior anatomic localization. MR is advocated in the initial evaluation of a focal process. In a systemic, nonfocal process, nuclear medicine WBC or Gallium Scans to localize areas for further MR scanning is recommended.