A good recovery case of cardiopulmonary arrest from septic shock induced by pyometra

Abstract

Cervical canal stenosis combined with intrauterine infection can sometimes cause pyometra among older women. We describe a 76-year-old female who was transferred to our emergency and critical care centre with dyspnea and diaphoresis. Upon arrival, she fell into cardiopulmonary arrest, from which she was rescued by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Laboratory studies revealed sepsis and abdominal CT imaging confirmed pus in the uterus. We diagnosed septic shock arising from pyometra. The patient was placed in intensive care and the pus was removed by vaginal drainage. She recovered uneventfully and was discharged without hypoxic encephalosis. Pyometra should be considered as a possible cause of septic shock in elderly women.