postpartum peripheral symmetrical gangrene: a case report

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.