Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections of the Breast: A Potentially Lethal Surgical Emergency

Shariful Islam; Aneela Shah; Anthony Maughn; Sarah Dial; Avidesh Mahabir; Vijay Naraynsingh; Patrick Harnarayan

doi:10.1155/2023/4695019

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections of the Breast: A Potentially Lethal Surgical Emergency

Case Rep Surg. 2023 Jul 20:2023:4695019. doi: 10.1155/2023/4695019. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Shariful Islam^{1

2}, Aneela Shah¹, Anthony Maughn¹, Sarah Dial^{1

2}, Avidesh Mahabir^{1

2}, Vijay Naraynsingh^{2

3}, Patrick Harnarayan^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of General Surgery, Breast Unit, San Fernando General Hospital, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago.
² Department of Clinical Surgical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
³ Medical Associates Hospital, St. Joseph, Trinidad and Tobago.

Abstract

Necrotizing soft tissue infection (NSTI) of the breast is an extremely rare event in surgical practice. It is considered the most aggressive form of soft tissue infection and a true surgical emergency. It is also associated with a high risk of mortality if not diagnosed promptly. Few cases have been documented in the literature; the exact etiology and risk factors vary from those involving the limbs, trunk, and perineum. Early recognition, prompt surgical treatment, and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality. These reports present cases of NSTIs in breasts with unique etiologies and challenges in their management.

Publication types

Case Reports