Necrotising fasciitis of the breast: A rare primary case with conservation of the nipple and literature review

Abstract

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is an infection of soft tissues that rarely affects the breast. It is associated with a high risk of mortality if diagnosed late. We present a case of primary necrotising fasciitis of the left breast in a 30-year-old woman with no co-morbidities. The patient initially presented septic with cellulitis and necrotic patches overlying her left breast as well as disproportionate pain. An early diagnosis of NF was made, aided by the LRINEC score (laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis). The combination of this early diagnosis as well as prompt treatment utilising a multidisciplinary approach resulted in the survival of the patient, a less radical surgical debridement and improved cosmesis with the conservation of the nipple–areola complex and the majority of the underlying breast parenchyma.

Keywords

• Necrotising
• Fasciitis
• Breast
• Nipple conservation
• Primary