[Acute suppurative myositis. 4 cases].

Four cases of acute pyomyositis are reported. They were diagnosed at an advanced stage, and the different complementary examinations were of uneven value. The responsible pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus in 3 cases and a strain of Streptococcus in 2 cases (one patient had both germs). Cure was obtained in 3 patients, including one who required amputation; the 4th patient died. In this disease only the finding of purulent fluid at surgery or by needle aspiration has a diagnostic value. Management consists of antibiotic therapy associated with surgical drainage.