Purulent myositis of the thigh as a presentation of perforated low rectal cancer.

Purulent myositis is an acute, intramuscular bacterial infection involving abscess formation most commonly affecting the quadriceps, hamstring and gluteal muscles. We present a case of extensive purulent myositis of the thigh and lower leg caused by bowel perforation below the peritoneal reflection secondary to rectal cancer. Cases of lower limb and perineal purulent myositis should raise suspicion of rectal perforation and should prompt investigations to exclude rectal malignancy.