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Recurrent obstructive uropathy secondary to pyometrocolpos in an 8-month-old infant: a case report
Richard Kiritta1, Georgina Balyorugulu2, Maimuna Ahmed2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bugando Medical Centre, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania. kiritta2002@yahoo.com.
Insights
Pyometrocolpos, a rare childhood condition involving infected fluid in the uterus and vagina, requires prompt management. This case highlights the importance of identifying underlying congenital abnormalities for effective treatment and prevention of recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pyometrocolpos is the accumulation of infected fluid in the uterus and vagina.
- It is uncommon in children and typically associated with obstructive congenital genital malformations.
- Presentation in a child can be acute, requiring urgent intervention, especially in resource-limited settings.
Background:
Pyometrocolpos is accumulation of infected fluid in the uterus and vagina. It is rare in children, mostly seen after menarche as a result of obstructive congenital genital malformation that impairs free drainage of the uterine secretions. In a child, it may present as an acute illness that necessitates urgent and appropriate management and treatment of the underlying cause, which can be a challenge in a resource-limited setting.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of pyometrocolpos in an 8-month-old African infant who presented with fever, vomiting, decreased urine output, and abdominal distension of 12 days' duration. An abdominal examination revealed a subumbilical midline incision scar and a midline lower abdominal mass. She appeared to have presented at the emergency department with similar complaints 2 months earlier and had been diagnosed with pyometra, which was managed by emergency laparotomy for pus drainage, and she was kept on antibiotics. Recovery was established after 10 days of admission, and the patient was discharged to home. Her symptoms reappeared 2 months after the first presentation. Her blood work showed significant leukocytosis with neutrophilia, and abdominal ultrasound depicted bilateral hydronephrosis with hydroureters and a fluid-filled uterus. Examination under anesthesia in the operating theater revealed normal-looking female genitalia with a cribriform hymen, beneath which lied a transverse vaginal septum. Foul-smelling pus was aspirated through the septum, and septectomy was performed to allow 350 ml of pus to drain. A pus sample was sent for culture and sensitivity, and Escherichia coli sensitive to ceftriaxone and gentamicin was isolated.
Conclusion:
Pyometrocolpos is rare in childhood but should be suspected in a girl presenting with a midline lower abdominal mass accompanied with urinary obstructive symptoms associated with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. Escherichia coli seems to be the most probable offending organism, but pus culture is crucial for antibiotic stewardship in proper management of the infection. Definitive treatment should focus on correcting the obstructive anatomical congenital deformity that caused the obstruction in order to avoid recurrence.
