Forearm pyomyositis in a breast cancer patient on chemotherapy.
Pyomyositis, a pyogenic infection of the muscle, is an uncommon diagnosis in chemotherapy patients with 20 cases reported in the literature.(1-7) These infections typically occur in large muscle groups, and can result in significant morbidity if not treated urgently. The presented case is the first to report pyomyositis in the forearm of a cancer patient (breast) on chemotherapy. Clinical suspicion is needed for rapid diagnosis and treatment, so that compartment syndrome is avoided and full neuromuscular recovery may be attained.
McRae
Mark
M
Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York University, 560 1st Ave TH 169, New York, NY 10016, USA. markhmcrae@gmail.com
Sharma
Sheel
S
D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D052880:Pyomyositis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*