Ultrasound assessment of postpartum fever

Abstract

Postpartum fever and infection remain a significant cause of morbidity in postpartum period. Ultrasound is useful for assessment of the patients who present with temperature elevation, vaginal bleeding, pelvic and/or abdominal pain and signs of infection. Sonography can also be used to detect mastitis and breast abscess. Different types of imaging may be used in patients with refractory fever from suspected pyelonephritis, renal abscess and deep vein thrombosis. This article presents a variety of case scenarios regarding the postpartum fever. By using illustrative images the learner will be able to differentiate between the most common causes of postpartum fever, and will be able to identify typical B-mode, color Doppler, and CT images that require immediate antibiotic and/or invasive treatment.