Nectrotizing soft tissue infection of breasts- a study of clinical profile

Abstract

Objectives: In this study we aim to study clinical profile of patients with necrotising fasciitis of breast and identify potential risk factors.

Methods: It is a retrospective observational study. Case records, from January 2017 to December 2023, were observed for age, gender, occupation, socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI) clinical features, radiological findings (size, site, status, involvement of tissue compartments and bone). A total of 22 patient records were evaluated.

Results We evaluated 22 patients and observed that all the patients were females, 54.5% patients were in 18-40 years age group. 59.1% patients had body mass index (BMI) more than 30 kg/ m². Pain and fever were the most common clinical presentations followed by local discharge. 90.9% patients had leucocytosis and 81.8% were anaemic. Raised bilirubin levels, raised international standardized ratio (INR) and low albumin levels were found in more than 60% cases. Diabetes mellitus was the most common associated co-morbidity seen in 63.6% cases. We observed a total mortality of 18.1%.

Conclusion: Necrotizing fasciitis of the breast is a rare disease. Outcomes may be poor in the form of extensive local mutilation, loss of breast tissue and even mortality. An early and adequate management response is warranted.