Pyomyositis Causing Temporary Quadriparesis During Induction Therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Case Report and Review of the Literature

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2015 Apr;37(3):223-6. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000000161.

Abstract

Pyomyositis (PM) is a purulent infection of skeletal muscle. It is often associated with immunosuppression in temperate climates. Herein, we report a case of PM causing temporary quadriparesis in a 14-year-old girl undergoing induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and we review the reported pediatric cases associated with induction therapy for hematologic malignancies. Early symptoms of PM can be mistaken for the side effects of chemotherapeutic agents. Greater awareness of the clinical picture of PM will aid in early diagnosis and treatment. With appropriate medical therapy and timely abscess drainage, morbidity and mortality is greatly reduced.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Induction Chemotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Pyomyositis / complications
  • Pyomyositis / drug therapy
  • Pyomyositis / physiopathology*
  • Quadriplegia / drug therapy
  • Quadriplegia / etiology*
  • Quadriplegia / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents