Cervical conization complicated by sepsis with lung and liver abscesses

J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2010 Apr;14(2):130-3. doi: 10.1097/LGT.0b013e3181c7104e.

Abstract

Background: Extrapelvic infections complicating cervical conization are exceedingly rare.

Case: Seven days after conization, a 44-year-old patient presented with fever and right upper quadrant pain. Pleural effusion and pulmonary and hepatic abscesses were detected. The pathology report of the conization showed microabscesses. Blood cultures grew Fusobacterium necrophorum. Intravenous antibiotics were administered. The pulmonary findings improved but did not completely resolve after drainage of pleural effusions. The patient refused further procedures and was discharged in good clinical condition and with oral antibiotics after 37 days.

Conclusions: Extrapelvic abscesses are rare complications of cervical conization. This is the first report in identifying F. necrophorum as a cause of this complication. Appropriate cultures, drainage of abscesses, and antibiotics are the mainstay of diagnosis and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cervix Uteri / surgery*
  • Conization / adverse effects*
  • Drainage
  • Female
  • Fusobacterium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Fusobacterium Infections / microbiology
  • Fusobacterium necrophorum / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Liver Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Liver Abscess / microbiology
  • Lung Abscess / diagnosis*
  • Lung Abscess / microbiology
  • Pleural Effusion / surgery
  • Sepsis / diagnosis*
  • Sepsis / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents