Pyometra in childhood.
BACKGROUND
Pyometra, an accumulation of pus in the uterine cavity, occurs rarely in children but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an intra-abdominal or pelvic abscess.


METHODS
A 10-month-old infant presented with an increasing abdominal mass. She had previous respiratory and diarrheal illnesses. She was underweight, febrile, and tachycardic with an 8×6-cm mobile tender mass in her lower abdomen. Investigations demonstrated leukocytosis and ultrasonogram confirmed a cystic mass. At laparotomy a pyometra was found. Needle aspiration and washout of the uterine cavity were performed but a second procedure was required to place a drain into the cavity.


CONCLUSIONS
Pyometra occurs rarely in childhood. A review of cases associates a hypoestrogenized endometrium exposed to transient bacteremia with obstruction to uterine drainage. Treatment should include continuous drainage of the uterus.
Arba Minch Hospital, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
Carole
C
Barry
D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D055112:Pyometra / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents