Pyomyositis of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle after Tooth Extraction: A Case Report

Abstract

Pyomyositis is a primary bacterial infection of the striated muscle. The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is rarely involved in pyomyositis because of its excellent blood supply from the branches of the external carotid artery. In this study, we present the report of a 67-year-old male with an uncommon case of pyomyositis of the sternocleidomastoid muscle who had been taking methylprednisolone and isoniazid for rheumatoid arthritis and latent tuberculosis, respectively. The infection in the SCM occurred after the drainage of an abscess in the left submandibular and sublingual space that appeared after extraction of a tooth. Although pyomyositis of the head and neck area is rare, it can lead to severe complications, and even death, if treated improperly. It is also known that patients with reduced immunity are susceptible to these infections. Therefore, if cervical edema or redness is observed in immunocompromised patients, a more intensive clinical and radiographic examination is recommended for differential diagnosis of pyomyositis.