Postmenopausal spontaneous rupture of pyometra: A case report

RATIONALE: The incidence of spontaneous perforations in pyometra occurs rarely, only 0.01% to 0.5% in gynecological patients, with high mortality and morbidity. The clinical manifestation of perforated uterine pus is similar to that of gastrointestinal perforation, but the gynecological symptoms are not so obvious, which makes preoperative diagnosis difficult. Here, we report a rare case of peritonitis with laparotomy of pyometra. PATIENT CONCERNS: An acute abdominal pain and purulent vaginal discharge developed in a 72-year-old woman who underwent an emergency laparotomy because of signs of diffuse peritonitis and in a state of shock. DIAGNOSES: We made a diagnosis of spontaneous perforation of pyometra. INTERVENTIONS: At laparotomy, about 1000 mL of pus with the source of uterine was found in the abdominal cavity, while gastrointestinal tract was intact and a crevasse with a diameter of 1.5 cm on posterior uterine wall was obvious. A total abdominal hysterectomy and a bilateral salphingo oophorectomy were performed. OUTCOMES: The patient got discharged on 34th postoperative hospitalization day with only 1 complication of wound healing. Histopathological study revealed uterine purulent inflammation, with no evidence of malignancy. LESSONS: Ultrasonography is the first and most sensitive examination for the evaluation of pyometra, but has limited role in the diagnosis of perforated pyometra. Additional diagnostic radiographic evaluation use for acute abdomen is total abdomen computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging techniques of female pelvis.