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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• bloody nipple discharge
• infants
• mammary ductal ectasia