Idiopathic Primary Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Breast: A Case Report

• Published in: Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology Vol. 80; no. 6; pp. 1265 - 1270
• Main Authors: Won, Young Joo, Hwang, Ji-Young, Moon, Jin Hee, Ahn, Soo Kyung, Yang, Ik, Woo, Ji Young
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Korean Society of Radiology 01.11.2019; 대한영상의학회
• Subjects: breast; inflammation; necrotizing fasciitis; 방사선과학
• ISSN: 1738-2637; 2288-2928; 2951-0805
• DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2019.80.6.1265

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.