Fulminant Toxic Shock Syndrome: An Unusual Complication of Septic Abortion

Abstract

Endometritis and toxic shock syndrome associated with Clostridium sordellii have previously been reported after childbirth and after medical abortion. Clinical findings included tachycardia, hypotension, edema, hemoconcentration, profound leukocytosis, and absence of fever. We described a case of a young woman who developed Clostridium sordellii toxic shock syndrome after abortion surgically evacuated five days before admission. Although the patient was aggressively treated, death occurred <3 days after admission. Very early recognition of this disease can decrease the mortality associated with this rare disease.