Abstract
Soft tissue infections, including abscesses, are frequently encountered in the emergency department. However, abscesses of the inferior rectus muscle are rare and may present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to the scarcity of documented cases. This case report highlights the treatment of a 47-year-old male presenting with an abscess in the left inferior rectus muscle due to an acute Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Imaging revealed a distinct fluid collection compressing the left globe, causing restricted ocular motility and other symptoms. Despite prior intravenous antibiotics, the abscess persisted. While intravenous antibiotics are an important component of treatment, this case highlights the potential insufficiency of this approach alone, emphasizing a need for surgical intervention such as orbitotomy for drainage. This report contributes to the limited literature on inferior rectus muscle abscesses and underscores the need for further research and clinical attention to optimize patient outcomes. TOPICS: Abscess, soft tissue infection, extraocular muscles, pyomyositis, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, proptosis, diplopia, vision loss.