Piriformis pyomyositis: a rare cause of sciatica

Singapore Med J. 2004 May;45(5):229-31.

Abstract

A 30-year-old Thai woman with piriformis pyomyositis presented with sciatica. Computed tomography showed swelling and enhancement of the right gluteus medius and piriformis muscles. She made a complete recovery after a course of intravenous antibiotics. This condition has only been reported three other times and is often diagnosed with difficulty. It could be erroneously dismissed as a lumbar disc prolapse. If untreated, it could lead to prolonged hospital stay and death. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic or surgical treatment leads to full recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications*
  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal
  • Myositis / complications*
  • Myositis / diagnosis*
  • Pelvis
  • Sciatica / etiology*