Papers of the Week

Acute viral myositis is a complication after a viral infection mainly caused by Influenza A and B viruses. It is characterized as a transitory, sudden, self-limiting and benign inflammatory process. It usually affects preschool and school children presenting bilateral pain and sensitivity in the muscle groups of the lower limbs without alteration in the neurological examination. It can affect the gait or standing. The main complication is rhabdomyolysis, which is why clinical followup and values of creatine phosphokinase must be done. We present the case of a school-age child diagnosed with acute viral myositis. Because it is not a frequent entity and its incidence in Latin America is unknown, we consider important to report the case and review the topic, as its clinical course is benign, easily treated, and its knowledge can avoid unnecessary studies and hospitalizations.