Primary suppurative myositis in children.

Primary suppurative myositis is rare in the United States when compared with the incidence of disease in the tropics. Clinically, it may mimic many of the more common diseases, such as hematoma, osteomyelitis, arthritis, or appendiceal abscess. It usually has a benign course, with complete recovery after appropriate treatment. Prolonged morbidity and an increased mortality may result from unfamiliarity with this entity. Six children had primary suppurative myositis; one died as a result of perforation of a psoas abscess into the dural sac causing staphylococcal meningitis.