Anabolic steroid-induced myositis and osteitis. Case report through a radiologic approach

Abstract

Introduction: Myositis is a rare complication of extra-articular anabolic steroid injections, while osteitis has not been reported as an adverse effect from this cause. This case report provides information about imaging findings of these two entities.Case presentation: A 37-year-old male, bodybuilder, presented pain and edema in the left gluteal region, associated with functional limitation, 5 days after receiving an intramuscular anabolic steroid injection (stanozolol). The man underwent an ultrasound scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis with contrast, which allowed making the diagnosis of myositis of the left gluteus maximus and osteitis of the iliac bone. The patient was treated with piperacillin-tazobactam and vancomycin for 10 days, without complications. No surgical management was required.Conclusion: Myositis is a rare complication of anabolic steroid injections and the pathophysiological mechanism of this substance is unknown. Osteitis, on the other hand, is an even rarer complication and, to the best of our knowledge, this isthe first known case associated with this cause. Given the findings, the myositis reported herein has an infectious nature; however, further studies are required to demonstrate the actual causal association.