A compelling case of postpartum symmetrical peripheral gangrene

Abstract

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is one of the very rare problems that is usually secondary to intense inotropictherapy in critically ill patients, but also due to use of ergot alkaloids or sepsis in the postpartum period. Wepresent a case of symmetrical peripheral gangrene developed in lower extremities of a woman in postpartumperiod ten days after discharge from hospital to which she was admitted and transfused 2 units of erythrocytesuspension due to significant bleeding following delivery conducted at home by an unskilled midwife inMogadishu, Somalia. After pregnancy, whatever the cause, if developing symmetrical peripheral gangrene isnot diagnosed in time and not treated as early as possible can cause limb loss and disability. Detection andinvestigation of this condition will also be enlightening for the mechanisms for ischemia and subsequentrecuperation of circulation.