Imaging features of juvenile dermatomyositis complicated by pyomyositis in a 12-year-old boy: A case report

Abstract

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation of the skin and skeletal muscles, often complicated by systemic manifestations and secondary infections. This case report describes a 12-year-old boy with a history of JDM who developed pyomyositis, a rare bacterial infection of skeletal muscles, following immunosuppressive therapy with methotrexate and low-dose steroids. The patient presented with fever, swelling, and tenderness in the left leg, with imaging confirming abscess formation. A multidisciplinary approach was employed for management, including surgical drainage and targeted antibiotic therapy. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of managing pyomyositis in JDM, emphasizing the increased infection risk associated with immunosuppressive treatments and the importance of early intervention to prevent complications.