title: Toxic shock syndrome mimicking pelvic inflammatory disease presumably resulting from tattoo.
abstract: The female patient with a variety of genital tract symptoms offers a distinct challenge to the gynecologist. We report a case that on initial examination was thought to be pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). After further evaluation, our patient was found to be suffering from toxic shock syndrome, which in many ways may resemble PID. This case demonstrates the importance of a careful and thorough evaluation of the gynecologic patient who has several nonspecific signs and symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Cowan
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Martens
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000292:Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects*