Pyomyositis as a Focus of Infection in Hematological Disorders: A Report of 3 Cases

The cases of 3 patients with pyomyositis associated with hematological disorders are reported. A 40-year-old man in the blastic phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia and 2 men aged 46 and 71 years with neutropenia due to myelodysplastic syndromes all reported high fever and severe local myalgia and had marked elevation of C-reactive protein. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed muscle abscesses or fasciitis, and the findings led to the diagnosis of pyomyositis. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the abscesses of 2 patients, and surgical drainage proved more effective than did antimicrobial agents. It should be recognized that pyomyositis is a possible source of infection in patients with hematological disorders.     

A case of group B streptococcal pyomyositis

The group B streptococcus is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a variety of serious infections including bacteremias, puerperal sepsis, and neonatal meningitis. Group B streptococcal infections of muscle are rare. We report here an unusual case of group B streptococcal pyomyositis. Pyomyositis arises predominantly from infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and, occasionally, Streptococcus pyogenes. Because of the rarity of pyomyositis in temperate climates, the common lack of localizing signs or symptoms, and the frequently negative blood cultures, considerable delay often precedes the diagnosis of pyomyositis; in fact, the infection has been initially misdiagnosed as muscle hematoma, cellulitis, thrombophlebitis, osteomyelitis, or neoplasm. Diagnosis may be greatly aided by radiologic techniques that can demonstrate the sites of muscle enlargement and the presence of fluid collections. The response to antibiotics is usually rapid, but resolution of the infection may require aspiration of deeply situated muscle abscesses. This report describes a diabetic patient with an unusual presentation of pyomyositis that mimicked an acute abdomen.     

Pyomyositis

A case ofnon-tropical pyomyositis (PM), in a 63-year-old female patient, affecting gluteus and intrapelvic muscles is presented. Delayed diagnosis and treatment led to long-standing morbidity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis provided valuable information on the nature and extent of the disease and helped to plan surgical management. MRI of the pelvis should be undertaken at an early-stage. Prompt examination of material obtained by aspiration or debridement would then permit an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.     

Tropical pyomyositis in a temperate climate in an immunocompetent adult.

Tropical pyomyositis, though common in Africa, South America, and the South Pacific, is relatively rare in North America. Reported is the case of a patient who developed chest wall muscle abscesses after sustaining minor chest wall muscle trauma and presented to the emergency department appearing acutely ill. He was treated surgically with irrigation and debridement of the abscesses as well as with antibiotics and recovered fully over a seven-month course. This case illustrates important aspects of tropical pyomyositis with a discussion of the natural history of this disease as well as diagnostic modalities and treatment options for this virulent infectious process that is usually caused by penicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.     

An uncommon spontaneous and nontropical pyomyositis

We describe a case of pyomyositis of the thigh caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis in an immunocompetent patient. The outcome was favorable after initiation of treatment combining surgical debridement of muscle abscesses and appropriate antibiotic therapy for a 4-week period. Our case report underlines that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be a helpful method in the management of pyomyositis, in accurately revealing the detailed anatomic extent of the abscessed pyomyositis, and in guiding the surgical debridement of the damaged muscle. Finally, MRI should be performed if there is a strong suspicion of pyomyositis in patients whose ultrasonographic examination is not conclusive.     

Nontropical pyomyositis as a cause of subacute, multifocal myalgia in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

We report a case of nontropical pyomyositis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection, in which severe myalgia was the presenting symptom over several weeks. Multifocal muscle lesions were identified by gallium scanning and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. The epidemiology, possible pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic imaging, and therapy are reviewed. Early suspicion of nontropical pyomyositis in severely immunocompromised patients with "cryptic" myalgia is recommended.     

Pyomyositis in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus: an unusual form of disseminated bacterial infection

PURPOSE AND PATIENTS: Pyomyositis, a common disease in the tropics, is rare in the continental United States, with approximately 83 cases described in the literature in the past two decades. The occurrence of pyomyositis complicating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been reported in 10 patients since 1986. We report six cases of this entity in patients with advanced HIV disease seen in our institution over a 20-month period. A common denominator in all of our patients was muscle injury, induced by either exercise or trauma. Unlike most previous reports of HIV-associated pyomyositis, the clinical picture in our cases was complicated by the development of abscesses in multiple muscle groups, requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy and repeated drainage procedures for successful management. Interestingly, one patient developed concomitant rhabdomyolysis--an otherwise rare event in classical pyomyositis. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant infecting organism in this as well as all other series. Of note, we also observed and report the first case, to our knowledge, of gram-negative pyomyositis in an HIV-infected individual. The pathogenic implications of this catalase-producing gram-negative isolate are discussed in the context of neutrophil abnormalities in HIV disease. CONCLUSION: Like tropical pyomyositis, its HIV-associated counterpart appears to be multifactorial in origin. Its recent recognition suggests that, in addition to underlying abnormalities of host defense, factors relating to the prolonged survival of patients with late-stage disease, including myopathy, might play an important contributory role.     

Ultrasound-assisted transthoracic biopsy: fine-needle aspiration or cutting-needle biopsy?

The present study compared the diagnostic yield of ultrasound-assisted cutting-needle biopsy (CNB) and fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in chest lesions. A physician performed ultrasound and FNAB with a 22-G spinal needle in all patients, directly followed by a 14-G CNB in patients without contraindication. A total of 155 consecutive lesions arising from the lung (74%), pleura (12%), mediastinum (11%) or chest wall (3%) in patients with a final diagnosis of lung carcinoma (74%), other malignant tumours (12%), non-neoplastic disease (9%) or unknown (5%) were prospectively included. The overall diagnostic yield was 87%. Combined specimens were obtained in 123 lesions (79%). In these, yields of FNAB, CNB and both methods combined were 82, 76 and 89%, respectively. FNAB was significantly better than CNB in lung carcinoma (95 versus 81%) but CNB was superior in noncarcinomatous tumours and in benign lesions. On-site cytology was 90% sensitive and 100% specific for predicting a positive FNAB. One patient required drainage for pneumothorax (0.6%). Ultrasound-assisted fine-needle aspiration biopsy performed by chest physicians is an accurate and safe initial diagnostic procedure in patients with a high clinical probability of lung carcinoma. All other patients should undergo concurrent fine-needle aspiration biopsy and cutting-needle biopsy.     

Bacterial pyomyositis

Bacterial pyomyositis has been defined as a subacute, deep bacterial infection of the soft tissues. The entity was originally described only in tropical climates, but it is increasing in incidence in temperate climates, such as in the United States. This is mainly attributed to the presence of immunocompromising states such as HIV/AIDS or liver disease. The etiology of pyomyositis remains a mystery, but its characteristics are well-described. If untreated, the disease process progresses through three distinct stages. The first stage is defined by vague complaints, muscle pain, and a low-grade fever. The second stage presents as worsening pain, swelling, fever, and actual abscess formation in the muscle. If the patient remains untreated, pyomyositis progresses to the third stage, which includes septicemia and possible septic shock. Large muscles around the pelvis are most commonly affected, and Staphylococcus aureus is the bacteria seen in most documented cases. To make a timely diagnosis and prevent serious sequelae, physical examination, laboratory results, imaging studies, and a high clinical suspicion must all be combined. Magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic study of choice, but it may be inconclusive early in the disease process. Definitive diagnosis must be made with aspiration or surgical drainage. Once diagnosed, treatment consists of appropriate intravenous antibiotics and possible surgical intervention. A full recovery is expected if appropriate treatment is initiated early in the process.     

Value of sonographically guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in evaluating the liver with sonographic abnormalities

This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of 97 sonographically guided fine needle aspiration biopsy cytologies in 92 patients with one or more hepatic lesions suspicious of malignancy. Results of the fine needle aspiration biopsy were then compared with the definitive results obtained by histologic examination, or with the subsequent course of the patient. A final diagnosis of malignancy was established in 65 cases, of which fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology revealed a concordant diagnosis in 54 cases. The diagnostic sensitivity of this technique was 83% for malignant lesions with 93% specificity. Of the 54 cases with malignant cytology, it was possible to distinguish between a primary or secondary lesion in 31 cases (57%). Benign lesions were aspirated in 32 cases, of which 30 cases concorded with the final diagnosis. This study confirms the usefulness of sonographically guided fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology in diagnosing malignant hepatic tumors.     

阿米巴肝脓肿的诊断与治疗--附36例报告

目的分析阿米巴肝脓肿的临床特点、诊治及转归情况.方法采用回顾性方法对36例阿米巴肝脓肿患者的临床资料进行分析.结果患者的主要临床表现为上腹痛(86.1%)、发热(86.1%)、肝肿大伴触痛(83.3%)和右肋间压痛(58.3%).实验室检查可见外周血白细胞升高(61.1%)、血沉增快(88.5%)等.92.6%的患者血阿米巴抗体阳性.超声检查示75%为单个脓肿、75%为右叶肝脓肿.所有患者均者用甲硝唑治疗,其中27例患者还同时进行肝脓肿穿刺引流.经治疗后,痊愈10例,显效25例,总有效率97.2%.有1例患者死于肝功能衰竭.结论单用药物治疗对于小肝脓肿疗效好,如肝脓肿较大可同时行脓肿穿刺引流.     

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound allows for interventions of hepatic lesions which are invisible on convential B-mode

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Contrast harmonic imaging significantly increases the detectability of liver lesions which are invisible on conventional B-mode sonography. With the introduction of contrast agents, which can be visualized at low mechanical index (low-MI), continuous real time observation of liver lesions under contrast conditions is possible. We addressed the question whether contrast-enhanced sonography allows for intervention of hepatic lesions impossible to detect on conventional B-mode imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated twelve patients with hepatic tumors or abscesses, which could not be analyzed and punctured under fundamental B-mode guidance. The ultrasound contrast agent BRI was used for detection of the hepatic lesions under contrast harmonic imaging (CHI) conditions with phase inversion at low-MI. RESULTS: In eleven out of twelve patients interventions under CHI conditions were successful, as proven by histological, microbiological or tumor marker analysis. The puncture needles were visible in all cases. With an algorithm for optimizing the puncture conditions at low-MI CHI the biopsies can be performed in two steps. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that biopsies of liver lesions under real-time continuous CHI at low-MI are feasible.     

Tuberculous abscesses in patients with AIDS.

Five cases of large tuberculous abscesses in patients with AIDS were observed over a 2-year period at the New York Veterans Affairs Medical Center. These cases represent 11.6% of the 43 cases of tuberculosis diagnosed in patients with AIDS during that period. The abscesses were located in the liver, abdominal wall, psoas muscle, mediastinum, and peripancreatic area. All patients presented with localized pain or swelling, and four of five patients had fever. The diagnosis was made on the basis of detection of abscesses on computed tomography (CT) and the results of culture of abscess material obtained by CT-guided aspiration. CT-guided therapeutic drainage was performed in two cases. Despite administration of therapy, two of five patients died of tuberculous infection. Formation of tuberculous abscesses appears to be a common complication of tuberculosis in patients with AIDS. This diagnosis should be considered for patients with AIDS who have fever and localized pain or swelling.     

Case of disseminated pyomyositis in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic ketoacidosis

Primary pyomyositis is a pyogenic and uncommon infection of skeletal muscle, which is mainly observed in tropical areas and/or human immunodeficiency virus patients. In non‐human immunodeficiency virus infected patients, the most common cause is diabetes mellitus. Because of its rarity, the accurate diagnosis is often challenging. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative bacteria. According to the severity, pyomyositis is divided into three stages, and the late stage is occasionally lethal. The present case was compatible with the most advanced stage. Therefore, it was very difficult to save her life without precise and timely diagnosis. Furthermore, in the invasive stage, surgical drainage and broad‐spectrum antibiotics should be given for a long enough period. Here, we report a case of a Japanese woman who developed disseminated abscesses under poorly controlled diabetic conditions accompanied by ketoacidosis, but was successfully treated without any sequelae.     

CT引导下经皮肺穿刺针吸术在肺癌诊断中的应用价值

目的探讨cT引导下经皮肺穿刺针吸术细胞学检查对肺癌的诊断价值。方法对100例行胸部cT检查提示肺内占位的患者进行CT引导下经皮肺穿刺针吸术细胞学检查。结果100例临床疑诊为肺癌患者,经痰脱落细胞学、支气管镜等检查未确诊,予行CT引导下经皮肺穿刺针吸术细胞学检查,穿刺成功率98％,穿刺确诊率92％,9例发生气胸,5例发生咯血;未确诊8例患者后经胸腔镜、纵隔镜、开胸手术等检查及远期随访确诊为肺癌。结论对于疑诊肺癌的患者,CT引导下经皮肺穿刺针吸术细胞学检查是一项操作简单、并发症少、确诊率高的诊断手段,特别对直径〈3cm、临近脏器、大血管的病灶具有较高的诊断价值。     

Non-surgical treatment of kidney abscesses. Apropos of 12 cases]

Twelve renal abscesses were treated with percutaneous aspiration (6 patients), percutaneous drainage (3 patients) or antibiotics alone (3 patients). The diagnosis was established based on computed tomography-guided aspiration in 9 cases and on radiographic findings and follow-up in the remaining 3. A bacterium was isolated in 2 out of 9 blood cultures, 2 out of 11 urine cultures and in all cultures of pus obtained by percutaneous aspiration. All patients had a good outcome. Our findings confirm the efficacy of percutaneous aspiration in the treatment of renal abscesses. Percutaneous drainage should only be considered when the abscess is very large or aspiration has failed.     

Does needle size affect diagnostic yield of transthoracic needle biopsy in malignant pulmonary lesions?: Comparison of 18‐, 22‐ and 25‐gauge needles in surgical specimens

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of needle size on the diagnostic yield of transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy in malignant pulmonary lesions. METHODS: The study assessed samples from 35 patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer. We used surgical specimens for needle aspiration biopsy. Aspirations were performed with 25-, 22- and 18-gauge, 9 cm in length aspirating needles. All pathology preparations were coded. At the end of the study period, all needle aspiration preparations were interpreted by the same pathologist. RESULTS: Lobectomy was performed in 19 patients, pneumonectomy in 15 and bilobectomy in one. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent tumour type, followed by adenocarcinoma. The diagnostic yield of aspiration biopsy was 85.7% for 18-gauge needle and 82.9% for both 22-gauge and 25-gauge needles. There was no statistically significant difference for the three needles with respect to diagnostic yield (P > 0.05). Cell type concordance for 18-, 22- and 25-gauge needles was 70%, 65.6% and 65.6%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference for the three needles with respect to cell type concordance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Needle size did not affect diagnostic yield or accuracy for malignant lesions. Smaller needles such as 22-gauge needle would appear to be suitable for transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of malignant pulmonary lesions.     

Pyogenic psoas abscesses: noninvasive diagnostic techniques and review of the literature

Psoas muscle abscesses are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Until recently, surgery was mandated for diagnosis and drainage of these deep posterior lesions. Scanning techniques such as computerized tomography, radionuclide imaging, and ultrasonography now enable noninvasive visualization of abnormalities of the psoas muscle. Patients with abscesses in the greater psoas muscle fall into two distinct groups. Six of 12 patients reviewed had no apparent predisposing conditions. These patients presented with subacute symptoms of fever, pain, and disability. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant organism isolated. Psoas infections developed in six other patients secondarily to infection or trauma elsewhere in the abdomen. Gram-negative and enteric organisms were the predominant bacteria isolated from this group. Surgical drainage in selected patients and appropriate antimicrobial therapy is necessary for treatment of these infections. Late complications such as osteomyelitis are not unusual.     

胆囊息肉样病变612例临床分析

目的分析总结胆囊息肉样病变的临床、病理、诊断等特征．方法我院及中华医学会第七届全国胆道外科学术会议资料共报道胆囊息肉样病变６１２例进行分析和总结．结果胆囊息肉样病变６１２例占同期胆囊切除术的４２％；３０岁～５０岁占７８５％；结石合并率２８５％；病理类型中以胆固醇息肉最多，占５３７％；腺瘤性息肉恶变率极高，达２８５％；临床表现无特异性，Ｂ超的诊断率最高，达９２５％．结论胆囊息肉样病变患者相对年轻；病理类型以胆固醇类多见，腺瘤性息肉易恶变，特别是合并结石的息肉；临床诊断以Ｂ超为首选     

细胞块结合免疫组化在内镜超声引导下穿刺诊断胰腺实性占位中的应用价值

目的探讨超声内镜引导下细针穿刺（EUS—FNA）物行不同细胞学检查方法对胰腺占位性病变的诊断价值。方法前瞻性研究广西医科大学第一附属医院2012年3月至2013年6月收治的胰腺实性占位性病变72例,均行超声内镜引导下细针穿刺活检取材,分别行常规涂片、液基涂片及细胞块结合免疫组化检查。结果72例患者中,最终确诊胰腺肿瘤61例,包括胰腺癌55例、胰腺假乳头状瘤2例、胰腺内分泌肿瘤4例;良性病变11例,包括慢性胰腺炎4例、胰腺结核2例、胰腺炎4例、黏液性囊腺瘤1例。常规涂片、液基涂片和细胞块结合免疫组化对胰腺肿瘤的诊断敏感度分别为68．9％（42／61）、75．4％（46／61）和90．2％（55／61）,特异度均为100．0％,准确率分别为73．6％（53／72）、79．2％（57／72）和91．7％（66／72）,细胞块结合免疫组化诊断准确率高于常规涂片细胞学及液基细胞学（P均〈0．05）。术后患者均无出血、感染、急性胰腺炎等并发症。结论EUS—FNA是一种安全有效的诊断胰腺占位病变的方法,具有高敏感度和特异度。EUS—FNA细胞块结合免疫组化有助于胰腺实性占位病变的定性诊断和组织学分型诊断,对治疗方案的选择有较大的临床应用价值。