Tropical pyomyositis and necrotizing fasciitis.

[pyomyositis]

Pyomyositis is a purulent infection of skeletal muscle that arises from hematogenous spread , usually with abscess formation . Necrotizing fasciitis is a more severe , rapidly progressive infection involving the superficial and deep fascia with necrosis and fluid collections that can be life threatening if left untreated . Both conditions may coexist , and concomitant cellulitis is often seen . A high incidence of these diseases occurs in the tropics , but they are increasingly being seen in temperate countries , due in part to their association with immunodeficiency conditions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV ) infection , diabetes mellitus , and organ transplantation . This article aims to familiarize physicians with these entities , review their clinical manifestations and imaging features , and highlight the role of imaging in the management of patients with these conditions .