Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis of unknown origin: an ever threatening entity

Beyond Postpartum Fever: Case Report Uncovering Deep Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis

Deep septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (DSPT) is a rare postpartum condition that should be considered in the setting of postpartum fever and may prove to be a challenging diagnosis. Here, we report the case of a 26-year-old female who presented with fever and antibiotic-resistant leukocytosis following an uncomplicated cesarean delivery. After ruling out pulmonary embolism and other causes of septicemia and considering the overall negative imaging studies, the patient received a clinical diagnosis of DSPT and recovered well following antibiotic augmentation and anticoagulation.

Postpartum Septic Pelvic Thrombophlebitis in a Tertiary Maternity Hospital in Dubai, UAE

Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (SPT) is a well-known condition, yet it remains a rare postpartum complication. It can be divided into two types: deep septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (DSPT) and ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT). In this case series, we present three cases diagnosed with ovarian vein thrombosis that were managed in our tertiary care hospital, Latifa Women and Children Hospital (LWCH), in Dubai, UAE. It is a 440-bed public tertiary care center that specializes in maternal and neonatal services, with a range of 3500 to 4000 deliveries per year. The three cases represent the total number diagnosed with this condition in the period between 2018 and 2022 among the total obstetric population during this period. The three cases developed a fever in the postpartum period, which for several days did not respond to the standard antibiotics used for endometritis. Two cases were following a cesarean section, and the third case was following vaginal delivery complicated with severe postpartum hemorrhage and hysterectomy. The clinical suspicion and awareness of the condition paved the way to reach the proper diagnosis and initiate the therapeutic dose of anticoagulants, along with broad-spectrum antibiotics, in a timely manner. The prompt diagnosis with early intervention led to optimal patient outcomes and prevented the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Postpartum septic pelvic thrombophlebitis and ovarian vein thrombosis after caesarean section: a rare case report

BACKGROUND

Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (SPT) is a well-recognized but rare puerperal complication that has two types: ovarian vein thrombophlebitis (OVT) and deep septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (DSPT). The present case report describes the clinical and imaging findings of a female patient diagnosed with right ovarian vein infectious thrombophlebitis after caesarean section (C-section).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 35-year-old G3P2 female who presented with a foetal vein Galen malformation at 41 weeks of gestation underwent C-section. The patient had high fever after C-section, and anti-inflammatory treatment was not effective within 1 week. An abdominal wall incision haematoma was found, and a second surgery for the removal of the abdominal wall haematoma was performed. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with abdominal incision haematoma and right ovarian vein infectious thrombophlebitis after C-section. We used imipenem and tigecycline to strengthen the anti-inflammatory effects, simultaneously administrating low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin as anticoagulant therapy. On the 30th day after C-section, the right ovarian vein thrombus disappeared.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates the need to consider the potential relationship between abdominal incision haematoma and ovarian vein thrombophlebitis. Despite advances in the management of venous thromboembolism globally, more data on epidemiology in terms of first incidence, prevalence, recurrence and risk factors, management of bleeding complications, and increased awareness in Asian populations are necessary.

Thrombophlebitis of abdominal veins as an unusual cause for acute abdomen: avoiding the diagnostic pitfalls

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the imaging appearances of the spectrum of thrombophlebitis of abdominal veins on computed tomography (CT) scans. Thrombophlebitis of abdominal veins is rare but mimics other more common conditions presenting with acute abdomen. Due to non-specific presenting symptoms, signs and laboratory findings, diagnosis is largely reliant on imaging, particularly CT which is readily available in the emergency setting.

Postpartum septic pelvic thrombophlebitis after caesarean delivery: a case report

Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis is a rare puerperal complication. It is an important differential diagnosis of postpartum fever and abdominal pain and although the condition is well known its diagnosis can be challenging. We report a case of a 41-year-old woman with fever and right abdominal pain three days after an uncomplicated caesarean delivery. Clinical, laboratory and imaging exams were unremarkable and the patient was treated for endometritis. In the absence of improvement despite an antibiotic adjustment, a clinical diagnosis of septic pelvic thrombophlebitis was made, and the patient presented a good response to anticoagulation in conjunction with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.

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Caesarean delivery is a risk factor for septic pelvic thrombophlebitis (SPT).

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SPT is frequently misdiagnosed.

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SPT resolves after systemic anticoagulation.

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Clinical suspicion is the most important for the diagnosis.