Septic shock and multiple organ failure after office endometrial sampling

BACKGROUND: Office endometrial biopsy with a Pipelle cannula is the main method for sampling the endometrial lining. The Pipelle biopsy is safe, efficient, and cost effective. This office endometrial sampling method is also an accurate and safe procedure for endometrial sampling of patients with endometrial carcinoma. It is associated with minimal pain and does not require anesthesia. CASE: Pipelle is the most common method used for sampling the endometrial lining. No data are available of infectious complications related to endometrial biopsy. The incidence is presumed to be negligible. We present an unusual case of a 52-year-old woman who experienced septic shock and multiple organ failure following Pipelle endometrial sampling. CONCLUSION: Lower abdominal pain is the cardinal presenting symptom in woman with pelvic infection. Our case emphasizes that an atypical symptom such as abdominal pain after endometrial biopsy could be a sign of infectious complications.