Escherichia coli pyomyositis in an immunocompromised host

WMJ. 2011 Aug;110(4):182-4.

Abstract

Background: Pyomyositis due to Escherichia coli (E. coil) is rarely reported in immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancy.

Case report: We present a case report of a 34-year-old man who developed E. coli pyomyositis as a complication of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right hip suggested myofascial infection of the gluteal muscles, and a needle muscle aspiration grew E. coli phylogenetic group B2. The patient responded to intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam followed by prolonged oral levofloxacin.

Conclusion: Pyomyositis should be suspected in all immunocompromised patients complaining of muscle pain and may exhibit signs of localized muscle infection. Appropriate antibiotic therapy targeting fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli should be considered for initial empiric therapy of pyomyositis in immunocompromised patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Buttocks
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Escherichia coli Infections / diagnosis*
  • Escherichia coli Infections / drug therapy
  • Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / complications*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pyomyositis / diagnosis*
  • Pyomyositis / drug therapy
  • Pyomyositis / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents