Septic abortion and pyogenic pericarditis due to Pasteurella multodica
Abstract
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (1990) 10, 31 9-322 Obstetric case reports Septic abortion and pyogenic pericarditis due to Pasteurella multodica arites. A pericardial effusion was confirmed by ultrasound and pericardiocentesis was performed with insertion of a pig-tailed catheter. A small volume of pus was aspirated and stained to show Gram negative bacilli. Gentamicin, metronidazole and benzylpcnicillin were commenced. Haemoglobin at this time was 6.8 g/dl and the white cell count 20 x I09/I. She was transferered to the regional cardiothoracic unit. On arrival she was confused. tachypnoeic with a pulse of 120/min, blood pressure maintained at 100 mmHg systolic with inotropic support; she had no urine output. An urgent thoracotomy was performed. The pericardium was distended with pus. A pericardial window was made and a drain left in siru, connected to an underwater seal. Over the course of the next 24 hours over I litre of pus was collected. Postoperatively she was electively ventilated and required blood transfusion and inotropic support. The benzylpenicillin was changed to ampicillin. The following day an evacuation of retained products of conception was performed. A large amount of placental tissue was obtained which was offensive but not frankly purulent. The patient required