Primary peritonitis associated with streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome: report of a case

Surg Today. 2004;34(12):1053-6. doi: 10.1007/s00595-004-2863-9.

Abstract

Several reports over the past 15 years describe severe group A streptococcal infections causing septic shock, soft-tissue necrosis, and multiple organ failure; a phenomenon known as streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS). However, primary peritonitis associated with TSLS is rare. We report the case of a 40-year-old man admitted with pain in both thighs, hypotension, and severe abdominal pain. His daughter had been diagnosed with streptococcal pharyngitis 3 days earlier. We performed an emergency laparotomy for peritonitis, and culture of the ascites was positive for group A beta -hemolytic streptococcus (GAS). Further serotyping of the isolated GAS strain revealed the T-type 22 and the pyrogenic exotoxin gene, spe-C. The criteria for TSLS were clearly met, including the isolation of GAS from ascites, hypotension, liver failure, renal failure, coagulopathy, myositis, and a generalized erythematous macular rash with desquamation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Laparotomy
  • Male
  • Peritonitis / diagnosis
  • Peritonitis / therapy*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Shock, Septic / diagnosis
  • Shock, Septic / therapy*
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / therapy*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / isolation & purification*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents