Piriformis pyomyositis with sciatica: an unrecognized complication of "unsafe" abortions

J Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Apr;13(2):87-8. doi: 10.1097/01.rhu.0000260655.90449.7d.

Abstract

We report the case of a patient who presented with right sciatic pain as a manifestation of piriformis muscle syndrome 1 month after a clandestine- induced abortion. MRI revealed the presence of a piriformis abscess. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from blood cultures and from the purulent material obtained by CT-guided aspiration. Piriformis pyomyositis should be recognized as a potential complication of "unsafe" abortions that if left untreated could progress to sepsis and death.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced / adverse effects*
  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Abscess / microbiology
  • Abscess / therapy
  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / diagnosis
  • Low Back Pain / etiology*
  • Low Back Pain / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Pyomyositis / diagnosis
  • Pyomyositis / drug therapy
  • Pyomyositis / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / complications*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents