Postpartum Peripheral Symmetrical Gangrene: A Case Report

Sharma, Lipi; Mehta, Sumita; Rajaram, Shalini; Agarwal, Rachna; Gupta, Sanjay; Goel, Neerja

Postpartum Peripheral Symmetrical Gangrene: A Case Report

Authors

Lipi Sharma ¹

Sumita Mehta ¹

Shalini Rajaram ¹

Rachna Agarwal ¹

Sanjay Gupta ²

Neerja Goel ¹

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College of Medical Sciences and Associated Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Shadara, India

² Department of Surgery, University College of Medical Sciences and Associated Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Shadara, India

Abstract

Background: Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is usually associated with underlying medical problems and it is seldom seen in pregnancy. Sepsis though common in a setting of delivery by unskilled midwife is rarely accompanied by symmetrical gangrene. Case Presentation: We report a case of symmetrical peripheral gangrene which occurred in the winter, triggered possibly by sepsis and a single dose of ergot. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and intervention with appropriate measures will result in favorable outcome in such cases. Conclusion: Although postpartum period is of high risk for sepsis and use of ergot alkaloids is common in labor but occurrence of peripheral symmetrical gangrene is rare. A high index of suspicion for the diagnosis and timely intervention will prevent irreparable damage and loss of limb.

Keywords

Ergot

Peripheral symmetrical gangrene

Postpartum

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