Pyomyoma associated with polymicrobial bacteremia and fatal septic shock: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

case of fatal septic shock due to pyomyoma (suppurative leiomyoma of the uterus) is reported. This unusual cause of sepsis and polymicrobial bacteremia should be rapidly identified because surgical therapy is essential for cure. Nine additional cases reported since 1945 are reviewed. Pyomyoma develops in association with either recent pregnancy or in postmenopausal patients who frequently have underlying vascular disease. The triad of: 1) bacteremia or sepsis; 2) leiomyoma uteri; and 3) no other apparent source of infection should suggest the diagnosis of pyomyoma.