Which virus causes pleurodynia and how does it affect muscles?

Pleurodynia, also known as Bornholm disease or epidemic myalgia, is caused by the Coxsackie virus.12

In the context of muscle pathology, pleurodynia is classified as a form of viral myositis. The virus affects the muscles by inducing intense muscular pain, particularly in the chest and lower back, which is often aggravated by movement and deep breathing. While the condition causes significant discomfort and is accompanied by fever, it is typically self-limiting, and affected individuals generally recover completely after a brief period.21