Benign acute childhood myositis: importance of early recognition

Abstract

Cases of children presenting with limb or joint pain are relatively common and are due mainly to benign conditions. Early diagnosis will help reduce unnecessary invasive investigations so, although a relatively rare condition, benign acute childhood myositis (BACM), which presents with acute lower limb pain and an isolated rise in creatine kinase, should be considered. BACM is characterised by an infiltration of viruses into calf muscle fibres, which may cause a subsequent inflammatory response leading to calf-muscle pain. Symptomatic and supportive management, along with explanation and reassurance, is all that is required in managing this condition. This article discusses the management of a 10-year-old boy with a classical presentation of BACM, alongside differentials and management for clinician consideration.