Group A Streptococcus causing a life-threatening postpartum necrotizing myometritis: a case report

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2008 Aug;34(4 Pt 2):645-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2008.00900.x.

Abstract

During childbirth, group A Streptococcus (GAS) can cause a diverse spectrum of disorders ranging from asymptomatic infection to puerperal sepsis and toxic shock syndrome. We report on a healthy parturient who survived a life-threatening necrotizing myometritis due to GAS following an unremarkable spontaneous delivery. Approximately 29 h after an unremarkable spontaneous vaginal delivery, a generally healthy 28-year-old multiparous woman developed a life-threatening necrotizing myometritis due to GAS. The patient subsequently underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy. Following the surgery, she made a prompt and complete recovery. The course of this extremely rare complication might be so fulminant that the diagnosis is sometimes made after the patient cannot be saved. Clinicians should still consider GAS in life-threatening infections occurring during the perinatal period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Myometrium / microbiology*
  • Myometrium / pathology
  • Necrosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Puerperal Disorders / etiology*
  • Puerperal Disorders / microbiology
  • Puerperal Disorders / therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / therapy
  • Streptococcus pyogenes*
  • Uterine Diseases / etiology*
  • Uterine Diseases / microbiology
  • Uterine Diseases / therapy