Idiopathic Primary Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Breast: A Case Report
10.3348/jksr.2019.80.6.1265
- Author:
Young Joo WON
1
;
Ji Young HWANG
;
Jin Hee MOON
;
Soo Kyung AHN
;
Ik YANG
;
Ji Young WOO
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. imp9653@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Journal of the Korean Radiological Society
2019;80(6):1265-1270
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening infection characterized by extensive necrosis and inflammation of subcutaneous tissue and the fascia. Only a few cases of NF in the breast have been reported, and imaging findings of primary breast NF have not been described in the literature. As primary NF in the breast is extremely rare, it can be misdiagnosed as an abscess or cellulitis, and its diagnosis may be delayed. However, early diagnosis is crucial because delays can lead to fatal sepsis or requirement for total mastectomy. Herein, the authors report a rare case of primary breast NF that was diagnosed early using enhanced breast CT and successfully managed with local debridement. CT revealed a large cystic mass with an air-fluid level, a thickened deep fascia without remarkable enhancement, and extensive subcutaneous emphysema with subcutaneous fat infiltrations in the right breast.
