Tropical pyomyositis, although a recognized pathology for more than a century, is still poorly known in Brazil, and one could waste time and money on exams for negative diagnosis for tumors or inadequately treat a potentially fatal disease. Initially referred to as a tropical disease, its incidence is increasing in temperate regions due to the dissemination of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and immunosuppressive treatments. In spite of our Institution frequently lacking quality diagnostic resources, we managed adequate treatment by using clinical experience and good judgement. A total of 40 cases of tropical pyomyositis are described, all treated by the same surgeon, with a mean age of 16 years, predominantly male. Clinical diagnosis was realized in 73% of the cases and the applied treatment was drainage through direct incision over the mass, leaving the drainage tube for irrigation of the abscess. The mean drain permanence was seven days. Two (5%) of the cases evolved into osteomyelitis, one (2%) died and the remainder evolved satisfactorily.
Tropical pyomyositis; Tropical myositis; Pyomiositis