Subphrenic abscess after cesarean section in term pregnancy complicated by chorioamnionitis

Subphrenic abscess is rare after cesarean section.

Case report and review of the pertinent world literature

A 22 year-old primigravida underwent a lower-segment cesarean section in the setting of chorioamnionitis, and had a good postoperative recovery initially. Eleven days after surgery, dyspnea and fever prompted a computed tomography scan, which revealed a large subphrenic abscess. The abscess resolved with percutaneous drainage and intravenous antibiotics. A placental swab, baby's skin swab, and abscess aspirate all grew group B Streptococcus.

Although subphrenic abscess is rare in obstetric practice, it should be suspected in patients who remain unwell after chorioamnionitis.