Staphylococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome after Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Case Report and Literature Review

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2022 Dec 19;10(12):e4710. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000004710. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening systemic bacterial intoxication. TSS is characterized by fever, hypotension, rash, digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, multiorgan system involvement, and desquamation in the initial recovery period. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who developed TSS caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus following deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction. Local findings are often not obvious in a case of TSS, which can make early diagnosis and appropriate initial treatment difficult. If a patient presents with characteristic symptoms of TSS after autologous breast reconstruction, TSS should be suspected and exploration of surgical wounds should be initiated as soon as possible.

Publication types

  • Case Reports