International Journal of Medicine and Health Development (Jan 2022)

Bloody nipple discharge in a 5-month-old female: A case report of mammary ductal ectasia from subclinical mastitis

  • Maria Ahuoiza Garba,
  • Stephen Kache Akau,
  • Hassan Laila

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmh.IJMH_22_21
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 27, no. 2
pp. 201 – 203

Abstract

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Mammary ductal ectasia (MDE) is both rare and benign in children. Less than 50 cases have so far been reported in the literature. It often presents as bloody nipple discharge (BND) and results in significant parental anxiety. Although mostly thought to be developmental in origin, the practice of pressing breast swellings in neonates and infants could potentially predispose the breast tissues to infection. Lack of awareness of MDE among healthcare providers may result in unnecessary, expensive, and even invasive investigations. We report a case of MDE presenting as BND and subclinical mastitis in a 5-month-old girl.

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