Deep Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis – a Life-Threatening Condition in Postpartum Period

Deep septic pelvic thrombophlebitis is a rare but potentially devastating complication in the puerperium. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of this postpartum complication is essential. We report a case of a 23-year-old multipara, who presented with persistent high fever and abdominal pain two days after delivery. Diagnosis of deep septic pelvic thrombophlebitis was suspected and confirmed by using contrast-enhanced computerized tomography. Upon admission in the intensive care unit, she developed shortness of breath together with hypoxemia, which was attributed to septic pulmonary emboli. Streptococcus pyogenes group A was cultured from cervical swab. Treatment consisted of broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and low molecular weight heparin. She was dismissed for home care symptom-free fourteen days after delivery and referred to hematologist to diagnose the possible causes of thrombophilia.