Benign acute childhood myositis: Clinical series and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is a rare clinical condition that mainly affects pre-school and school age-children. It is usually preceded by a viral illness, particularly influenza virus infection.

Objective: To describe a cluster of BACM cases that were seen in a paediatric unit.

Patients and Methods: A retrospective series of cases that presented with a clinical picture suggestive of BACM between August and November 2012 in the paediatric emergency department of a private clinic.

Results: Nine children, between 4 and 12 years, presented with a history of a recent febrile upper viral respiratory infection, followed by intense calf pain and claudication. They all recovered without complications. Laboratory results showed a marked increase in CK, with a mean of 4,066 IU/l. Three of the cases had influenza B infection and one Mycoplasma pneumonia infection. They were managed conservatively with hydration and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Conclusions: BACM is a benign entity with a characteristic clinical presentation that can be managed most of the time in the ambulatory setting, avoiding invasive studies and unnecessary hospital admission.