A case of necrotizing fasciitis of the breast following lumpectomy and oncoplastic closure.

BACKGROUND: NF is a life-threatening soft tissue infection that most commonly occurs in the lower extremity. While presenting symptoms such as erythema, severe pain, sepsis, and wound crepitation are well documented, diagnosis of NF of the breast often is obscured by a low clinical index of suspicion due to its relative rarity as well as by the breast parenchyma that physically separates the underlying fascia and overlying skin. Several risk factors have previously been identified, such as underlying infection, diabetes, advanced age, and immunosuppression. However, the gross morbidity and high mortality associated with NF warrant continued surveillance of contributing factors across any anatomic location. Fifteen cases in the literature document the development of NF following breast surgery.

CASE REPORT: The authors of this case report aim to expand on the current literature through the presentation of a unique case of NF of the breast following right breast lumpectomy and oncoplastic closure with left reduction mammaplasty in an immunocompromised patient found to have concurrent perforated sigmoid diverticulitis.

CONCLUSION: This case exemplifies how frequent postoperative surveillance, a low threshold for intervention, and efficient coordination of care are vital to minimizing the morbidity and mortality risks associated with NF of the breast.