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Published on: March 2, 2020
Procidentia-induced perinephric and subcutaneous abscesses
Melanie Tsang1, Marie-Andrée Harvey, Douglas R Walker
1Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Total uterine prolapse (procidentia) rarely causes urinary obstruction. This case report details a rare instance of perinephric and subcutaneous abscesses resulting from Staphylococcus aureus infection secondary to procidentia-induced hydronephrosis and forniceal rupture.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Total uterine prolapse (procidentia) is a condition where the uterus descends into the vaginal canal.
- Obstructive uropathy is a rare complication of procidentia, typically presenting as hydronephrosis.
- Perinephric abscesses are collections of pus in the space around the kidney, usually caused by bacterial infection.
Observation:
- A patient presented with symptoms suggestive of infection and urinary obstruction.
- Imaging revealed significant hydronephrosis and a perinephric abscess.
- Subcutaneous abscesses were also noted in the abdominal wall.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with procidentia-induced hydronephrosis and forniceal rupture.
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the causative agent of infection in the urine, leading to the abscesses.
- This represents the first reported case of procidentia leading to perinephric and subcutaneous abscesses.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe, unreported complications arising from uterine prolapse.
- Prompt recognition and management of procidentia are crucial to prevent serious secondary infections and renal damage.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the mechanisms linking procidentia to such extensive infections.
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