Pyomyositis secondary to chickenpox.

摘要

Necrotising fasciitis and osteomyelitis arc uncommon but life threatening complications of chickenpox, particularly in otherwise healthy infants. These diseases are usually caused by group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) and Staphylococcus aureus. Presenting clinical features may be continuous or recurrent fevers, localised redness and swelling, refusal to weight bear or shock.Pyomyositis, also a known complication of chickenpox, is an important differential diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis. It is important to differentiate between the two as urgent surgical exploration can be life saving in the case of necrotising fasciitis, whereas more conservative methods can be used in pyomyositis.2 MRI may be useful in localising the site of infection and differentiating cellulitis from necrotising fasciitis, septic arthritis, pyomyositis and osteomyelitis. It also provides information about the depth and extent of infection and is useful in planning debridement.