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Pyometra in childhood
1Arba Minch Hospital, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
Insights
Pyometra, a rare uterine infection in children, presents as an abdominal mass. Continuous uterine drainage is crucial for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pyometra, characterized by pus accumulation in the uterine cavity, is an uncommon pediatric condition.
- It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal or pelvic abscesses in children.
Observation:
- A 10-month-old infant presented with an enlarging abdominal mass, fever, and leukocytosis.
- Imaging revealed a cystic mass, later diagnosed as pyometra during laparotomy.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention included needle aspiration and washout, necessitating a second procedure for uterine cavity drainage.
- The case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing pediatric pyometra.
Implications:
- Pyometra in children is associated with a hypoestrogenized endometrium and transient bacteremia.
- Effective management requires continuous uterine drainage to resolve the infection and prevent recurrence.
Background:
Pyometra, an accumulation of pus in the uterine cavity, occurs rarely in children but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an intra-abdominal or pelvic abscess.
Case:
A 10-month-old infant presented with an increasing abdominal mass. She had previous respiratory and diarrheal illnesses. She was underweight, febrile, and tachycardic with an 8×6-cm mobile tender mass in her lower abdomen. Investigations demonstrated leukocytosis and ultrasonogram confirmed a cystic mass. At laparotomy a pyometra was found. Needle aspiration and washout of the uterine cavity were performed but a second procedure was required to place a drain into the cavity.
Conclusion:
Pyometra occurs rarely in childhood. A review of cases associates a hypoestrogenized endometrium exposed to transient bacteremia with obstruction to uterine drainage. Treatment should include continuous drainage of the uterus.
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