Bacterial sacroiliitis and gluteal abscess after dilation and curettage for incomplete abortion.

BACKGROUND

Pyogenic infection with Streptococcus agalactiae is a potentially life-threatening disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This type of infection has seldom been reported as a complication of dilation and curettage after an incomplete abortion.

CASE: A young woman presented to the emergency department with rapidly progressive left-sided lower back pain, general malaise, and chills evolving over the previous 48-hours after dilation and curettage for incomplete abortion. Streptococcus agalactiae was isolated in the blood. The patient developed pelvic osteomyelitis despite aggressive medical therapy and required prolonged treatment before significant clinical improvement was noted.

CONCLUSION

Although very rare, serious pyogenic complications of dilation and curettage after incomplete abortion do occur and may present a diagnostic challenge.