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This is in response to the recently published case series applying pectoralis blocks (Pecs blocks) for infective breast conditions by  Brewer et al. I wish to provide a few clarifications regarding the Pecs blocks and other blocks such as Pecs Zero block, Serratus anterior plane block, Erector spinae block that can be adopted in an emergency department setting.

We report a case of 31-year-old female with no past medical history who presented with sudden onset discharging skin ulcer in left inframammary fold with erythema and swelling immediately after she came back from holiday for which she presented to the breast one stop clinic and underwent ultrasound-guided aspiration of the detected cystic lesion in the left breast with impression of breast abscess. Afterwards, as the result of cytology reporting as C5, ultrasound-guided Core-Needle Biopsy was performed, which confirmed poorly differentiated carcinoma of breast. Furthermore, similar necrotizing masses were found in axillary lymph nodes and Liver. The final diagnosis was concluded as poorly differentiated breast carcinoma with metastasis to axillary lymph nodes and the liver. This case reports a very uncommon presentation of breast carcinoma in a young patient with no past medical history, presenting with cystic necrotizing mass which is extremely rare in breast cancer. At the time of presentation, carcinoma had spread to the liver and axillary nodes.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare condition characterised by chronic inflammation and granuloma formation in the breast. The aetiology of IGM is unclear. By focusing on the protein-coding regions of the genome, where most disease-related mutations often occur, whole-exome sequencing (WES) is a powerful approach for investigating rare and complex conditions, like IGM. We report WES results on paired blood and tissue samples from eight IGM patients. Samples were processed using standard genomic protocols. Somatic variants were called with two analytical pipelines: nf-core/sarek with Strelka2 and GATK4 with Mutect2. Our WES study of eight patients did not find evidence supporting a clear genetic component. The discrepancies between variant calling algorithms, along with the considerable genetic heterogeneity observed amongst the eight IGM cases, indicate that common genetic drivers are not readily identifiable. With only three genes, CHIT1, CEP170, and CTR9, recurrently altering in multiple cases, the genetic basis of IGM remains uncertain. The absence of validation for somatic variants by Sanger sequencing raises further questions about the role of genetic mutations in the disease. Other potential contributors to the disease should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Lactational mastitis is a common painful and debilitating inflammation of breast tissue, generally treated conservatively or with pus puncture in case of breast abscess. However, treating mastitis in patients with implantable surgical material located in the affected breast region can be extremely challenging. We present an unusual case of lactational mastitis complicated by pacemaker pocket infection in a breastfeeding mother. Case presentation A 35-year-old pacemaker-dependent female developed lactational mastitis seven weeks postpartum. Initially, the condition was treated conservatively with analgesics and antibiotics. After abscess formation, pus was aspirated using fine-needle aspiration technique. Four weeks after mastitis resolution, pacemaker pocket infection developed. According to current cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection treatment guidelines a complete surgical extraction of the entire electronic system, followed by targeted antibiotic treatment and reimplantation of a new device after infection resolution, was recommended. However, after thorough discussion with the young woman and her family and after detailed review of surgery-related risks, she declined a potentially high-risk surgical procedure. Thus, only the pulse generator was explanted; pacing leads positioned in the sub-pectoral pocket; new pacemaker implanted on the contralateral side and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy continued for six weeks. After breastfeeding cessation, and with chronic fistula development at the primary pacemaker implantation site, the possibility of delayed surgical intervention including complete extraction of retained pacemaker leads was again thoroughly discussed with her. After thoughtful consideration the woman consented to the proposed treatment strategy. A surgical procedure including transvenous lead extraction through the primary implantation venous entry site, using hand-powered bidirectional rotational sheaths, was successfully performed, removing all retained leads through the left subclavian venous entry site, and leaving the fully functional and clinically uninfected pacemaker on the contralateral site intact. Conclusion Although patients’ decisions for delayed extraction in a case of cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection should be discouraged by attending physicians and members of interdisciplinary teams, our case shows that a stepwise treatment strategy may be successful as a bailout clinical scenario in patients with specific requests, demands and / or clinical needs.

Breast abscess in males is a rare condition, which accounts for 1%-3% of all documented breast diseases. Males with certain risk factors may develop a breast abscess. The ultrasonographic, mammographic, and pathological characteristics of this case will be highlighted in the report. A 51-year-old morbidly obese Saudi male who is a 160-pack-years smoker presented to our surgical clinic complaining of a right breast mass that presented a long time ago and was changing in size. The mass was painless until 5 days prior to presentation. On physical examination, a firm nonmobile 3 × 4 cm mass was felt at 10-12-o'clock, 1 cm away from the nipple. A bilateral X-ray mammogram and ultrasound were performed with fine needle aspiration and culture. The mammogram of the right breast showed a well-circumscribed subareolar mass with equal density, and it was also associated with overlying skin thickening and relative breast parenchymal edema. The fine needle aspiration grossly showed yellowish-green turbid content followed by turbid blood. The anaerobic culture results showed the gram-positive cocci, Finegoldia Magna. The patient was then instructed to take an antibiotic accordingly and return after 1 week. Fine needle aspiration and culture were performed again after antibiotics and grossly showed 2-3 cc of pus without any growth in culture. Male breast disorders are typically benign, with gynecomastia being the most prevalent, and malignancy being the most serious despite its rarity. Breast abscesses are a challenging clinical condition, and radiologists have a pivotal role in evaluation and follow-up of these lesions.

Background: Lactational mastitis is a common painful and debilitating inflammation of breast tissue, generally treated conservatively or with pus puncture in case of breast abscess. However, treating mastitis in patients with implantable surgical material located in the affected breast region can be extremely challenging. We present an unusual case of lactational mastitis complicated by pacemaker pocket infection in a breastfeeding mother. Case presentation: A 35-year-old pacemaker-dependent female developed lactational mastitis seven weeks postpartum. Initially, the condition was treated conservatively with analgesics and antibiotics. After abscess formation, pus was aspirated using fine-needle aspiration technique. Four weeks after mastitis resolution, pacemaker pocket infection developed. According to current cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection treatment guidelines a complete surgical extraction of the entire electronic system, followed by targeted antibiotic treatment and reimplantation of a new device after infection resolution, was recommended. However, after thorough discussion with the young woman and her family and after detailed review of surgery-related risks, she declined a potentially high-risk surgical procedure. Thus, only the pulse generator was explanted; pacing leads positioned in the sub-pectoral pocket; new pacemaker implanted on the contralateral side and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy continued for six weeks. After breastfeeding cessation, and with chronic fistula development at the primary pacemaker implantation site, the possibility of delayed surgical intervention including complete extraction of retained pacemaker leads was again thoroughly discussed with her. After thoughtful consideration the woman consented to the proposed treatment strategy. A surgical procedure including transvenous lead extraction through the primary implantation venous entry site, using hand-powered bidirectional rotational sheaths, was successfully performed, removing all retained leads through the left subclavian venous entry site, and leaving the fully functional and clinically uninfected pacemaker on the contralateral site intact. Conclusion: Although patients' decisions for delayed extraction in a case of cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection should be discouraged by attending physicians and members of interdisciplinary teams, our case shows that a stepwise treatment strategy may be successful as a bailout clinical scenario in patients with specific requests, demands and / or clinical needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This autoethnography describes an illness episode caused by breastfeeding complications. It focuses on informed consent processes accompanying this illness episode. Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice and has to be obtained before a medical intervention can legally be implemented. It is therefore not trivial that in practice, informed consent processes often fail to achieve what they are set out to. With this autoethnography, I want to provide a review of how informed consent processes can fail in the context of breastfeeding, but also draw attention to what these situations can mean and feel like for those affected. I provide in-depth descriptions of five scenes from my illness episode each representing a different barrier to informed consent. The scenes were developed based on emotional recall and written to grant access to the emotional dimensions of my experience in the tradition of evocative autoethnography. As part of my story, I engage with various issues like practices of prescribing, communicative requirements in vulnerable situations to ensure understanding, the dual purpose of informed consent in the moral and legal realm, and the moralized breastfeeding discourse. Possible routes for change to abolish or reduce described barriers to informed consent are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anh Tuan Tran,1– 3,* Dinh Minh Nguyen,4,* Quang Hien Tran,5,6 Quang Hung Nguyen,7 Thu Ha Nguyen Thi,1 Do Quyen Tran Thi,1 Hong Nhung Luu,1 Yen Mai Do Thi1 1Radiology Center, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam; 2Radiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hanoi National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 3Stroke and Brain Vascular Disease Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hanoi National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; 4Radiology Department, Viet Duc Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam; 5An Giang Department of Health, An Giang, Vietnam; 6Obstetrics and Gynecology, an Giang Women’s and Children’s Hospital, An Giang, Vietnam; 7Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Center, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Quang Hien Tran, An Giang Department of Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology, an Giang Women’s and Children’s hospital, 15 Le Trieu Kiet Street, Long Xuyen City, An Giang, Vietnam, Tel +84913104293, Email tranquanghienag@yahoo.comObjective: To evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided needle aspiration in treating lactating breast abscesses.Methods: This study was conducted in Bach Mai Hospital, from 6/2020 to 7/2021. Lactating patients with breast abscesses underwent ultrasound-guided aspiration followed by antibiotics therapy.Results: There were 59 lactating patients with 82 breast abscesses. Most of the abscesses had heterogeneous echogenicity, no capsule, and a size smaller than 5cm. Bacterial culture results showed that 85.4% of cases were Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The number of aspirations was from 1 to 5. The cure rate was 91.5%, and 5.3% of these cases had a complication associated with galactocele after treatment.Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration is a minimally invasive treatment option for lactating breast abscesses with a high complete cure rate and good cosmetic results.Keywords: breast abscess, ultrasound-guided needle aspiration

Little data exist on the management of pediatric breast abscesses that fail initial treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and report outcomes in these patients. All patients <18-year-old treated for a breast abscess between January 2008 and December 2018 were included. Patients were divided into two groups: initial treatment at our institution (Group 1) and initial treatment at referring centers (Group 2). The primary outcome was disease persistence following treatment at our institution. Secondary outcomes included treatment modalities and patient characteristics. In total, 145 patients were identified: 111 in Group 1 and 34 in Group 2. Antibiotics alone were the initial treatment in 52.3% (n = 58) of Group 1 patients and 64.7% (n = 22) of Group 2 patients. Invasive treatment was more common in Group 1 (45.9% vs 5.8%; P < 0.00001). Patients with persistent disease in Group 1 were treated with aspiration (n = 7, 50%), incision and drainage (n = 5, 35.7%), antibiotics (n = 1, 7.14%), and manual expression (n = 1, 7.14%.), while Group 2 patients were treated with antibiotics (50%, n = 17), aspiration (26.47%, n = 9), incision and drainage (17.65%, n = 6), and manual expression (5.88%, n = 2). Group 2 patients with persistent disease were more likely to be treated with antibiotics or a change in antibiotics (50% vs 7.14%; P = 0.005). Following treatment at our institution, the rate of persistent disease was similar between groups (12.6% vs 11.8%). Persistent breast abscesses may be treated with antibiotics in appropriate cases. Damage to the developing breast bud should be minimized. Disease persistence is similar once treated at tertiary care centers. • A trial of antibiotics is appropriate for primary treatment of pediatric breast abscess. • Persistent breast abscesses in pediatric patients may be treated with antibiotics alone with similar rates of disease persistence regardless of initial treatment setting. • Invasive procedures should be minimized in the developing pediatric breast bud when possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast abscess is a common and intractable clinical condition and the use of needle aspiration (NA) or incision and drainage (ID) in treatment is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically compare the clinical effectiveness of NA and ID in treating breast abscesses. The Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to January 7, 2022. The ROB-2 tool assessed risk of bias; the GRADE methodology rated certainty in outcomes; and Stata 16.0 performed data analyses. Nine RCTs were included, including 703 patients. The results showed there was no significant difference in cure rate between the two groups (relative risk [RR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.86, 1.07]; p =.469), and after subgroup analysis, we found that it was not related to the use of ultrasound guidance or not. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate (RR = 0.68, 95% CI [0.35, 1.30]; p =.241). Furthermore, the NA group was associated with shorter healing time (weighted mean differences = −11.02, 95% CI [−15.14, −6.90]; p <.001), lower incidence of breast fistula (RR = 0.21, 95% CI [0.06, 0.72]; p =.013), lower interrupted breastfeeding rate (RR = 0.28, 95% CI [0.20, 0.39]; p <.001), and higher satisfaction rate of appearance (RR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.03–2.21]; p =.035). NA has better advantages in terms of healing time, avoidance of breast fistula, continuous breastfeeding, and patient satisfaction. Although NA and ID have similar cure and recurrence rates, NA, with or without ultrasound guidance, could be used as a first-line treatment for breast abscesses. Patients with large volumes, multicompartmental abscesses, or those who have been ineffective against multiple NA, should be considered for ID. Breast abscess is a common and intractable clinical condition in general surgery. Compared with ID for breast abscesses, NA has better advantages in terms of healing time, avoidance of breast fistula, continuous breastfeeding, and patient satisfaction and could be used as a first-line treatment for breast abscesses. Patients with large volumes, multicompartmental abscesses, or those who have been ineffective against multiple NA, should be considered for ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Breast abscesses are still a common cause of morbidity among lactational females. Over the years, there has been an increase in the incidence of non‐lactational breast abscesses and a decrease in lactational breast abscesses. The management could be the use of the conventional method of surgical incision and drainage or the newer techniques of needle aspiration or suction drain or catheter in addition to the administration of antibiotics. The use of needle aspiration as the minimal‐invasive conservative technique is generally recommended for abscesses less than 3–5 cm in diameter. However, recent studies have compared the two methods for abscesses larger than 3 cm and among patients with risk factors for breast abscesses. We aim to present the clinical evidence showing the comparison between needle aspiration and incision and drainage for breast abscesses irrespective of the size of the abscesses. There is a lack of comparative information on the two treatment modalities for breast abscesses larger than 3 cm in diameter; however, needle aspiration is being tried because of its advantages like cosmetic preference, short hospital stay and healing time, and no stoppage of breastfeeding.

Abstract Background Mycobacterium chelonae, a nontuberculous mycobacterium, commonly causes skin, soft tissue, eye, pulmonary, catheter-related, and post-surgical infections in patients with immunosuppression or trauma. M. chelonae breast infections are rare, and most cases occur following cosmetic surgery. Here, we report the first case of spontaneous breast abscess due to M. chelonae. Case presentation A 22-year-old Japanese woman presented at our hospital with swelling and pain in the right breast for the past 2 weeks without any fever. She had a 19-month-old child and stopped breastfeeding 1 month after giving birth. The patient had no history of trauma or breast surgeries, no family history of breast cancer, and was not immunocompromised. Breast ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous hypoechoic lesion with multiple fluid-filled areas suspected to be abscesses. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 64 × 58 × 62 mm, ill-defined, high-signal-intensity lesion with multiple ring enhancements in the upper half of the right breast. The first diagnosis was inflammatory breast cancer or granulomatous mastitis with abscess. A core needle biopsy led to drainage of pus. Gram staining did not reveal any bacteria in the pus, but the colonies from the biopsy grew on blood and chocolate agar cultures. Mass spectrometry detected M. chelonae in these colonies. Histopathological findings revealed mastitis without malignancy. The patient's treatment regimen was oral clarithromycin (CAM) based on susceptibility. Three weeks later, although the pus had reduced, the induration in the breast did not resolve; therefore, multidrug antibiotic treatment was initiated. The patient received amikacin and imipenem infusion therapy for 2 weeks, followed by continuation of CAM. Three weeks later, tenderness in the right breast recurred with slight pus discharge. Hence, minocycline (MINO) was added to the treatment. The patient stopped CAM and MINO treatment 2 weeks later. There was no recurrence 2 years after treatment. Conclusion We report a case of M. chelonae breast infection and abscess formation in a 22-year-old Japanese woman without obvious risk factors. M. chelonae infection should be considered in cases of intractable breast abscess, even in patients without immunosuppression or trauma.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the breast that is commonly found in young women of childbearing age with a history of recent breastfeeding. In our study, we aimed to present the detailed clinical and morphological features of IGM cases, diagnostic clues, and treatment. The most common clinical presentation is a unilateral, breast induration, nipple retraction, and even a multiple sinus formation often associated with an inflammation of the overlying skin. It usually mimics with breast abscess, rarely inflammatory breast cancer. Although etiology is still unknown. Many factors, including autoimmunity, infection, chemical agent, lactation, and hormonal imbalance, are supposed to play a role for etiology. Therefore, thorough history taking, examination, imaging, and histopathology make a proper diagnosis that determines the optimal management to be administered. We are presenting three cases of granulomatous mastitis from our clinical practice with varying clinical features. After the necessary investigation, we diagnose it as IGM. There is no definitive treatment guideline still now. In literature, many therapeutic operations, including conservative treatment, surgery, steroid, and immunotherapy, have been shown. However, we successfully treated this patient by conservative treatment, by incision and drainage, surgical debridement, or by in a combination of both, followed by regular dressing, antibiotics, and other supportive measures with no use of the steroid.

A focus has been placed particularly on the description of breast abscesses (sthana vidradhi in Ayurveda terms). Breast inflammation known as mastitis has the potential to develop into a breastabscess in the future. The term “stana roga,'' refers to breast disorders and describes breast abscesses, is mentioned in the ancient works Sushruta Samhita, Madhava Nidana, and Bhavaprakasha. Breast abscesses are typically treated surgically by making an incision over the area of greatest fluctuation (or pain) and breaking the abscess septa with digits. For a few days, the abscess chamber is left untreated or gauze-packed, with dressing changes made as needed to facilitate wound granulation. The current report was aimed at management of the breast abscess through an integrated approach comprising surgical and medicinal intervetions as mentioned in Ayurveda classics. A 32-year-old female patient with pain and swelling in right breast was diagnosed with breast abscess in Shalya (Surgery) OPD and managed primarily by incision and drainage which was followed by regular dressing and ayurvedic medications which encouraged appreciable granulation in a short period of time with complete healing of the abscess. This case study presents the successful management of breast abscesses with both surgical & Ayurvedic management.

AbstractBackground Breast abscess is a common and intractable clinical condition and the use of needle aspiration (NA) or incision and drainage (ID) in treatment is controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically compare the clinical effectiveness of NA and ID in treating breast abscesses.Methods The Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to January 7, 2022. The ROB-2 tool assessed risk of bias; the GRADE methodology rated certainty in outcomes; and Stata 16.0 performed data analyses.Results Nine RCTs were included, including 703 patients. The results showed there was no significant difference in cure rate between the two groups (relative risk [RR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.86, 1.07]; p = .469), and after subgroup analysis, we found that it was not related to the use of ultrasound guidance or not. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate (RR = 0.68, 95% CI [0.35, 1.30]; p = .241). Furthermore, the NA group was associated with shorter healing time (weighted mean differences = −11.02, 95% CI [−15.14, −6.90]; p

Breast abscesses are still a common cause of morbidity among lactational females. Over the years, there has been an increase in the incidence of non‐lactational breast abscesses and a decrease in lactational breast abscesses. The management could be the use of the conventional method of surgical incision and drainage or the newer techniques of needle aspiration or suction drain or catheter in addition to the administration of antibiotics. The use of needle aspiration as the minimal‐invasive conservative technique is generally recommended for abscesses less than 3–5 cm in diameter. However, recent studies have compared the two methods for abscesses larger than 3 cm and among patients with risk factors for breast abscesses. We aim to present the clinical evidence showing the comparison between needle aspiration and incision and drainage for breast abscesses irrespective of the size of the abscesses. There is a lack of comparative information on the two treatment modalities for breast abscesses larger than 3 cm in diameter; however, needle aspiration is being tried because of its advantages like cosmetic preference, short hospital stay and healing time, and no stoppage of breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yisihak Suga,1 Thorsten Kuehn,2 Gessesse W/Ammanuel,1 Goytom Knfe,1 Berhanetsehay Teklewold1 1Department of Surgery, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2Department of Gynecological Oncology and Gynecologic Surgery, Klinikum Esslingen, Esslingen, GermanyCorrespondence: Yisihak Suga, Tel +251913470780, Email yisihaksuga12@gmail.com; yisihak.suga@sphmmc.edu.etBackground: Breast abscess is a prevalent cause of morbidity in women occurring in 0.4% to 11% of patients after mastitis. The majority are benign, but worrisome etiologies such as inflammatory cancer and concomitant immune-compromising diseases should be addressed when a non-lactating patient presents with a breast abscess. The problem is high among women in developing countries (1). The purpose of this study is to assess the magnitude, clinical presentation, and treatment of breast abscess patients at a tertiary hospital.Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients treated for breast abscesses from September 2015 to August 2020. A retrospective review of the clinical records was performed to collect data on sociodemographic, clinical, and management data using a data extraction form. The collected data were then cleaned and entered into SPSS for analysis.Results: Two hundred and nine patients were included in this study over 5 years and lactational breast abscess (LBA) is more prevalent,182 (87.1%) than non-lactational breast abscess (NLBA), 27 (12.9%). Bilateral breast abscesses occurred in 16 (7.7%) patients. Patients presented at a median duration of 11 days and had been breastfeeding for 2 or more months. A spontaneously ruptured abscess was detected in, 30 (14.4%) of the patients. Comorbidities identified include diabetes mellitus (DM) in, 24 (11.5%), Hypertension in, 7 (3.3%), HIV in, 5 (2.4%) of patients. All women were treated with Incision and Drainage and had a median volume of 60 mL of pus drained. Following surgery, all patients were given ceftriaxone in the immediate post-operative days and either cloxacillin,167 (80.3%), or Augmentin,41 (19.7%) antibiotics p on discharge. Follow-up data were available for 201 (96.1%) patients and the recurrence rate was 5.8%.Conclusions and Recommendations: Lactational breast abscesses are more common than non-lactational breast abscesses, particularly in primiparas. DM is the most common comorbidity in non-lactational breast abscesses and health-seeking behavior should be improved given the delayed presentation.Keywords: breast abscess, lactational, non-lactational, magnitude, clinical presentation

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare breast condition of unclear etiology. Its course is often rapidly progressive, slow to resolve, and can have a high rate of recurrence. Clinical presentation can mimic breast abscess, infectious mastitis, and carcinoma of the breast, generating a diagnostic challenge. Histopathological analysis is required to make the diagnosis after common conditions are excluded. There is no standard treatment, however surgical excision, steroid treatment, and observation are commonly reported approaches. Here, we describe a complex case of a multiparous patient presenting with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis at 32 weeks gestation. In this review, we highlight the importance of collaboration amongst a multidisciplinary team for effective diagnosis and treatment. We discuss the use of oral corticosteroids in the antenatal period and illustrate the patient support required to both facilitate successful breastfeeding in the postpartum period and promote recovery.

Background: Mycobacterium chelonae, a nontuberculous mycobacterium, commonly causes skin, soft tissue, eye, pulmonary, catheter-related, and post-surgical infections in patients with immunosuppression or trauma. M. chelonae breast infections are rare, and most cases occur following cosmetic surgery. Here, we report the first case of spontaneous breast abscess due to M. chelonae. Case presentation: A 22-year-old Japanese woman presented at our hospital with swelling and pain in the right breast for the past 2 weeks without any fever. She had a 19-month-old child and stopped breastfeeding 1 month after giving birth. The patient had no history of trauma or breast surgeries, no family history of breast cancer, and was not immunocompromised. Breast ultrasonography revealed a heterogeneous hypoechoic lesion with multiple fluid-filled areas suspected to be abscesses. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 64 × 58 × 62 mm, ill-defined, high-signal-intensity lesion with multiple ring enhancements in the upper half of the right breast. The first diagnosis was inflammatory breast cancer or granulomatous mastitis with abscess. A core needle biopsy led to drainage of pus. Gram staining did not reveal any bacteria in the pus, but the colonies from the biopsy grew on blood and chocolate agar cultures. Mass spectrometry detected M. chelonae in these colonies. Histopathological findings revealed mastitis without malignancy. The patient's treatment regimen was oral clarithromycin (CAM) based on susceptibility. Three weeks later, although the pus had reduced, the induration in the breast did not resolve; therefore, multidrug antibiotic treatment was initiated. The patient received amikacin and imipenem infusion therapy for 2 weeks, followed by continuation of CAM. Three weeks later, tenderness in the right breast recurred with slight pus discharge. Hence, minocycline (MINO) was added to the treatment. The patient stopped CAM and MINO treatment 2 weeks later. There was no recurrence 2 years after treatment. Conclusion: We report a case of M. chelonae breast infection and abscess formation in a 22-year-old Japanese woman without obvious risk factors. M. chelonae infection should be considered in cases of intractable breast abscess, even in patients without immunosuppression or trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the breast that is commonly found in young women of childbearing age with a history of recent breastfeeding. In our study, we aimed to present the detailed clinical and morphological features of IGM cases, diagnostic clues, and treatment. The most common clinical presentation is a unilateral, breast induration, nipple retraction, and even a multiple sinus formation often associated with an inflammation of the overlying skin. It usually mimics with breast abscess, rarely inflammatory breast cancer. Although etiology is still unknown. Many factors, including autoimmunity, infection, chemical agent, lactation, and hormonal imbalance, are supposed to play a role for etiology. Therefore, thorough history taking, examination, imaging, and histopathology make a proper diagnosis that determines the optimal management to be administered. We are presenting three cases of granulomatous mastitis from our clinical practice with varying clinical features. After the necessary investigation, we diagnose it as IGM. There is no definitive treatment guideline still now. In literature, many therapeutic operations, including conservative treatment, surgery, steroid, and immunotherapy, have been shown. However, we successfully treated this patient by conservative treatment, by incision and drainage, surgical debridement, or by in a combination of both, followed by regular dressing, antibiotics, and other supportive measures with no use of the steroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory condition of the breast. IGM is a benign condition, and is more typical in women of child-bearing age, with a recent history of pregnancy and breast feeding. Its clinical presentation can mimic inflammatory breast cancer or breast abscess. The etiology of IGM is not well defined, but proposed to be a localized immune reaction to the breast tissue without the presence of an underlying infectious condition.Here we report a case of a healthy 35-year-old female, with no story of pregnancy and lactation, who presented with sudden left breast lump, swelling and pain. She underwent first diagnostic ultrasound of the affected breast, then breast MR imaging was performed. A biopsy of the lesion was obtained, which revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation, confirming the diagnosis of GM. Furthermore, the patient was found to have had hyperprolactinemia secondary to a prolactinoma of the pituitary gland (PitNET) many years before, during her 20s, for which she had been treated with surgery.

Percutaneous drainage of breast abscesses, using needle aspiration or the insertion of a small caliber drain under local anesthesia, has been studied as an alternative to surgical incision and drainage. Prospective studies have shown that treatment of breast abscess with aspiration with or without ultrasound guidance had better outcomes with respect to healing time which was shorter, better cosmetic outcome. This is a comparative study carried out in department of general surgery in a tertiary health care center, Victoria hospital and Bowring and Lady Curzon hospital for a period of 1 year (May 2021-May 2022) after taking approval from institutional ethics committee. 44 female patients of age between 18-65 years and diagnosed breast abscess with abscess size of less than 10 cm in diameter on ultrasonography were included in the study after taking written consent form. Of these 22 had undergone aspiration of the breast abscess (group A) and 22 had undergone incision and drainage of the breast abscess (group B). The mean healing time and cosmetic outcome was significantly (p = 0.001) very good in patients treated with needle aspiration compared to incision and drainage. There was failure of needle aspiration in 4 patients (18.1%) in group A during the study which were treated with incision and drainage and cured. There was 3.3% recurrence rate observed in the incision and drainage group. Breast abscess in patients with diameter of less than 10 cm can be treated with needle aspiration successfully and with a good cosmetic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease which any organ can be involved. Soft tissue lesions are rare manifestations of brucellosis. Brucella breast abscess in animal is not uncommon; involvement of the breast in human brucella is extremely rare. Breast abscess involvement was reported to 0.7% of the patient with brucellosis. We report the microbiological findings of breast abscess due to brucella. A 38-year-old woman living in the rural area of Kerman, Iran, presented with an abscess in the right breast. The sampling of the abscess aspiration and preparation of smears showed inflammatory fluid. Culture and PCR performed from the sample identified the presence of Brucella melitensis. The lesion had diminished in size after 8 weeks of treatment with combined doxycycline and rifampin. The possibility of breast abscess being caused by Brucella should be considered in countries, especially in endemic regions. Besides, isolated Brucella spp from microbiological cultures is important for a definitive diagnosis.

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of different maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) classes on the risk of postpartum endometritis, wound infection, and breast abscess after different modes of delivery. Secondly to estimate how the risk of postpartum infection varies with different maternal BMI groups after induction of labor and after obstetric anal sphincter injuries. A population-based observational study including women who gave birth during eight years (N = 841,780). Data were collected from three Swedish Medical Health Registers, the Swedish Medical Birth Register, the Swedish National Patient Register, and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Outcomes were defined by ICD-10 codes given within eight weeks postpartum. The reference population was uninfected women. Odds ratios were determined using Mantel–Haenszel technique. Year of delivery, maternal age, parity and smoking in early pregnancy were considered as confounders. There was a dose-dependent relationship between an increasing maternal BMI and a higher risk for postpartum infections. Women in obesity class II and III had an increased risk for endometritis after normal vaginal delivery aOR 1.45 (95% CI: 1.29–1.63) and for wound infections after cesarean section aOR 3.83 (95% CI: 3.39–4.32). There was no difference in how maternal BMI affected the association between cesarean section and wound infection, regardless of whether it was planned or emergent. Women in obesity class II and III had a lower risk of breast abscess compared with normal-weight women, aOR 0.47 (95% CI: 0.38–0.58). The risk of endometritis after labor induction decreased with increasing maternal BMI. The risk of wound infection among women with an obstetrical sphincter injury decreased with increasing BMI. This study provides new knowledge about the impact of maternal BMI on the risk of postpartum infections after different modes of delivery. There was no difference in how BMI affected the association between cesarean section and wound infections, regardless of whether it was a planned cesarean section or an emergency cesarean section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast abscess continues to be a major cause of morbidity in developing countries. The treatment of breast abscess continues to be a challenge. In era of technical advances management of breast abscess has shifted to minimally invasive and painless techniques which are more patient friendly. Aims: to compare outcomes in management of breast abscess by incision and drainage versus ultrasound guided needle aspiration. Methods: The present study was carried out in the department of surgery in a tertiary care hospital central India. A total of 100 female patients with acute lactational breast abscess between 18 and 45 years of age were enrolled in our study. The patients were randomized into group A (incision and surgical drainage) and group B (ultrasound-guided needle aspiration). Results: In our study total 100 patients were analysed, majority of the cases (53% in group A & 54% in group B) belong to 21-25 years age group. Post operative pain, high recurrence rate, fistula formation, cessation of breast feeding, ugly scar formation and longer duration of hospital stay were observed in incision & drainage procedure as compared to USG aspiration. Conclusions: USG guided aspiration is the safest, painless, day care and widely accepted procedure for treatment of breast abscess as compared to the incision and drainage, it reduced the post-procedure hospital stay and minimum scar formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast abscess is localized collection of purulent material within breast, which can be a complication of mastitis. Breast abscesses most commonly affect women between 18 to 50 years. Drainage of pus is generally considered as the mostly effective procedure in the management of breast abscess. Aim and Objectives: To determine the outcome of incision and drainage versus needle aspiration with antibiotics coverage in breast abscess. Place and duration of study: Department of General Surgery, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad from November 2020 to May 2021. Material and Methods: This randomized control trial was carried out on 60-patients (30 in each group). Breast abscess was confirmed on ultrasound. Patients of group-A underwent incision and drainage while group-B patients had aspiration with antibiotic coverage. Results: In group-A (incision and drainage) 1(3%) women had recurrence and mean time of wound healing was 7.63±1.033 where as in group-B (Aspiration with antibiotic coverage) 3(10%) women had recurrence and mean time of wound healing was 15.10±2.107. Conclusion: Incision and drainage is better than needle aspiration done with antibiotics coverage in the treatment of breast abscess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast abscess is a common problem in lactating mothers causing significant morbidity. The present study was conducted to compare needle aspiration and incision and drainage in the management of breast abscess. Materials & methods: 60 breast abscess patients were randomly divided into 2 groups of 30 each. Group I were treated with needle aspiration and group II with incision and drainage. All aspiration procedures were performed under ultrasound guidance. Pus sample was sent for culture and sensitivity. Results: Group I patients were treated with needle aspiration and group II with incision and drainage. The mean size of abscess was 3.24 cm in group I and 3.86 cm in group II. Left size abscess was seen in 8 in group I and 12 in group II and right abscess in 22 in group I and 18 in group II. Staphylococcus in pus culture was seen in 24 in group I and 19 in group II. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). The mean healing time was 8.1 days in group I and 17.5 days in group II, continued breast feeding rate was seen in 28 in group I and 22 in group II. Recurrence rate was seen in 1 in group II and cosmetic outcome/Scar was seen in 5 in group I and 30 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Needle Aspiration is a better management option with good healing time, healing rate, and continued breast feeding rate with better cosmetic outcome in patients with breast abscess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A breast abscess is a common clinical entity most commonly caused by gram-positive cocci in the lactating breast. Here we present a bilateral breast abscess due to Salmonella typhi in a young nonlactating female. The patient presented with on and off fever and a painful lump with discharge in the left breast, followed by similar complaints in the right breast after a few days. Incision and drainage were done, and the sample was sent for microbiological analysis. Salmonella typhi was isolated. The patient had high titers of the Widal test though her blood culture was negative. The infection was successfully treated with a combination of surgical drainage and antibiotics. This case highlights that a systemic Salmonella infection need not always present with the typical symptoms and can solely present in a focal manner (breast abscess) and highlights the importance of microbiological analysis for accurate diagnosis and proper management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory breast carcinoma is an uncommon presentation of carcinoma breast characterised by tumour cell emboli invading the dermal lymphatics and manifesting as skin oedema and redness, closely resembling acute mastitis. We report the case of a 37-year-old pregnant female in the second trimester (at 16 weeks) with a left breast inflammatory carcinoma deceptively presenting as a breast abscess leading to a late diagnosis, delayed definitive management, and having profound psychological, therapeutic, and prognostic implications. Given its tendency to be clinically misleading and often disregarded until late stages, much emphasis has to be placed on a low threshold of suspicion when suggestive clinical signs are encountered., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Arunachalam Jeykumar et al.)

Abstract Background This study aimed to identify the differences in clinical characteristics, puncture efficacy, antibiotic use, treatment duration, breastfeeding post-illness, and recurrence of patients with breast abscesses caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection during lactation. Methods The clinical data of patients with breast abscesses during lactation who were treated from January 2014 to February 2017 at Haidian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Beijing, were reviewed. According to bacterial culture results, they were divided into MRSA (n = 260) and MSSA (n = 962) groups. Hospitalization (whether or not the patients were hospitalized), postpartum period, maternal age, location of abscess cavities, number of abscess cavities, amount of pus, frequency of needle aspiration, failure of needle aspiration, antibiotic use, treatment duration, cessation of breastfeeding and recurrence were compared between the two groups using a t-test and a chi-squared test. Results We noted that only the cessation of breastfeeding was statistically significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.018). Hospitalization, postpartum period, maternal age, location of abscess cavities, number of abscess cavities, amount of pus, number of needle aspiration, failure of needle aspiration, antibiotic use, treatment duration and recurrence showed no statistically significant differences (P = 0.488, P = 0.328, P = 0.494, P = 0.218, P = 0.088, P = 0.102, P = 0.712, P = 0.336, P = 0.512, P = 0.386 and P = 0.359, respectively). Conclusions There was no difference in clinical characteristics between breast abscesses infected by MRSA and those infected by MSSA. Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration could be the first choice for MRSA-infected breast abscess treatment. There is no need to increase antibiotic use because of MRSA infection, unless it is necessary. The reason why more patients with MRSA infected breast abscesses terminated breastfeeding is unclear from this study.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the breast which may present as painful, unilateral, discrete, breast masses with a tendency to recur. The pathogenesis is still unclear. In Ayurvedic literature, clinical features similar to IGM is seen in Stanavidradhi (breast abscess). We present the case of a 25-year old uniparous woman who had previously undergone excision biopsy for a breast lump and was diagnosed with IGM by histopathology examination. After one month, she developed pain, redness, and swelling at the operated site. She was treated for two months with corticosteroids and antibiotics, but the symptoms did not subside. After Ayurvedic treatment, the condition started to respond in a week and was completely resolved within three months. She was followed-up with medicines for three months and without medicines for another six months during which period, no recurrence was seen. The non-healing nature and high rate of recurrence of IGM necessitates prolonged treatment with steroids and antibiotics that have long-lasting adverse effects. In this context, Ayurveda may be able to offer an effective option with significantly fewer adverse effects, not only in the management of abscess and sinus, but also in prevention of recurrence.

Neonatal mastitis is a rare condition, usually with a good prognosis and no recurrence. Characteristic clinical findings are unilateral swelling, erythema, warmth, tenderness, and/or induration of the breast. Systemic symptoms are uncommon. The microbiological diagnosis is an important step in the clinical approach, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most identified causative organism. Treatment recommendations include antibiotic therapy followed by either surgical incision or needle aspiration if medical therapy fails. A previously healthy, 38-day-old girl presented with a 2-week history of breast asymmetry, initially discrete and then followed by a gradual increase in size and inflammatory signs of the left breast. On physical examination, she had unilateral swelling, erythema, warmth and induration of the left breast, fluctuation and nipple involution. No purulent discharge was observed. She underwent an ultrasound that revealed a breast abscess. She was started on oral antibiotics, with a posterior switch to the parenteral route, but no clinical improvement was found. Therefore, the patient was referred to surgical drainage, with a good clinical evolution afterward. In conclusion, the diagnosis of neonatal breast abscess was made due to exuberant clinical inflammatory local signs and poor response to oral antibiotic therapy. It was successfully treated with combined surgical and medical management. This case shows that a good outcome may be achieved with timely diagnosis and adequate treatment.

Cholesterol granuloma is a rare non-infectious disease. Currently, there are no established guidelines, leaving the clinician to decide the best practice for each patient. A 43-year-old woman presented to the Surgery Clinic at Siloam General Hospital, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, with the primary complaint of a painful mass located in her left breast over the previous week before being admitted to the hospital. The mass was found abruptly and was accompanied by severe pain and fever. On inspection, peau d’orange, nipple retraction, tenderness, and warmth of the skin were observed. Ultrasonography suggested a malignant mass. The primary diagnosis was breast cancer, with a secondary differential diagnosis of breast abscess. An open biopsy was chosen because a breast abscess was the possible diagnosis. The biopsy results showed characteristics of cholesterol granuloma. Following the operation, the pain score was notably reduced as the operation showed a satisfactory result. The primary purpose of this case report was to illustrate a case of breast abscess caused by cholesterol granuloma, in which open excisional biopsy and drainage was superior for pain reduction and faster recovery.

Cholesterol granuloma is a rare non-infectious disease. Currently, there are no established guidelines, leaving the clinician to decide the best practice for each patient. A 43-year-old woman presented to the Surgery Clinic at Siloam General Hospital, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, with the primary complaint of a painful mass located in her left breast over the previous week before being admitted to the hospital. The mass was found abruptly and was accompanied by severe pain and fever. On inspection, peau d’orange, nipple retraction, tenderness, and warmth of the skin were observed. Ultrasonography suggested a malignant mass. The primary diagnosis was breast cancer, with a secondary differential diagnosis of breast abscess. An open biopsy was chosen because a breast abscess was the possible diagnosis. The biopsy results showed characteristics of cholesterol granuloma. Following the operation, the pain score was notably reduced as the operation showed a satisfactory result. The primary purpose of this case report was to illustrate a case of breast abscess caused by cholesterol granuloma, in which open excisional biopsy and drainage was superior for pain reduction and faster recovery.

Diseases of the breast in adolescent women are usually benign, and their treatment is simple using appropriate medical strategy and rarely surgical therapy. The whole team’s real challenge is when the girl presents malignant breast cancer symptoms such as a non-movable tumor, nipple discharge, nipple retraction, retraction of the skin, inflammatory infiltration of the breast, or ulceration. Presented here is a case of a 15-years-old girl with the features of a malignant neoplasm of the breast. There was an observed non-movable tumor, retraction of the nipple, inflammatory infiltration, and pain. The performed ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging suggested a malignant lesion measuring 84 mm × 66 mm × 50 mm. After many diagnostic difficulties, the lesion evacuated spontaneously, and the abscess was diagnosed. In conclusion, not all features of a malignant breast tumor in adult women are typical for adolescent females. In young girls, breast diseases are usually benign, and appropriate diagnostics and therapy allow for an effective cure. Atypical breast lesions require the extraordinary cooperation of a multidisciplinary team.

Actinomycosis is an infection characterized by abscess formation, draining sinuses, and tissue fibrosis. The causative bacterium is a Gram-positive facultative anaerobe from the genus Actinomyces. Infections classically affect the cervicofacial, thoracic, or pelvic region and often require prolonged antibiotic therapy. Actinomycosis of the breast is a rare condition that may present as a recurrent breast abscess. We present a 33-year-old female with a recurrent breast abscess which grew A. radingae and A. israeli on aspirated fluid cultures. Treatment with surgical aspiration and a 6-week course of oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 875 mg twice daily resulted in clinical improvement. Our case demonstrates how recurrent breast abscesses caused by Actinomyces can be difficult to manage. Long-term antibiotic therapy with surgical aspiration and regular follow-up offer the best chance of clinical resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol granuloma is a rare non-infectious disease. Currently, there are no established guidelines, leaving the clinician to decide the best practice for each patient. A 43-year-old woman presented to the Surgery Clinic at Siloam General Hospital, Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, with the primary complaint of a painful mass located in her left breast over the previous week before being admitted to the hospital. The mass was found abruptly and was accompanied by severe pain and fever. On inspection, peau d’orange, nipple retraction, tenderness, and warmth of the skin were observed. Ultrasonography suggested a malignant mass. The primary diagnosis was breast cancer, with a secondary differential diagnosis of breast abscess. An open biopsy was chosen because a breast abscess was the possible diagnosis. The biopsy results showed characteristics of cholesterol granuloma. Following the operation, the pain score was notably reduced as the operation showed a satisfactory result. The primary purpose of this case report was to illustrate a case of breast abscess caused by cholesterol granuloma, in which open excisional biopsy and drainage was superior for pain reduction and faster recovery.

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections of the breast are rare. These infections present as cellulitis of the breast or breast abscess. Their diagnosis poses a challenge as they manifest signs of acute inflammation, unlike tuberculous mycobacterial infections which present in a chronic pattern. However, on aspiration of pus from the site of infection, primary smear may show acid fast bacilli. This poses a diagnostic dilemma. The present case is that of a 34-year-old woman who presented with recurrent mastitis. She had history of right breast swelling, for which surgical excision had been performed three months prior at another facility. Her histopathology had showed cystic granulomatous neutrophilic mastitis (CNGM). The patient again presented with right breast abscess which was confirmed on ultrasonography. Incision and drainage along with removal of necrotic tissue was done. Primary smear of pus showed acid fast bacilli on Ziehl–Neelson staining. Bacterial culture and line probe speciation revealed non-tuberculous mycobacterium M. abscessus, which responded well to prolonged anti-microbial therapy. These rapidly growing NTM require prolonged treatment and are quite often recurrent. M. abscessus is a rare cause of CNGM, with this being only the third reported case in literature. A brief case report with a review of literature is presented.

There are very few true breast emergencies. While infrequent, women do present to emergency departments or urgent care centres with breast‐related concerns. In this case‐based review, both common and uncommon urgent and emergent breast lesions are presented, emphasising ultrasound characteristics and imaging optimisation to improve accurate diagnosis and appropriate recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on our experience of treating lactational breast abscesses larger than 5 cm via ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous catheter placement and hydrostatic pressure irrigation. Twelve cases of puerperal single breast abscesses larger than 5 cm were collected. These patients were treated with US-guided percutaneous catheter placement and hydrostatic pressure irrigation combined with oral antibiotics. All 12 patients using US-guided treatment were completely successful without conversion to open surgical drainage. The range of recovery time was 5–16 days, and no major complications occurred. The patients were satisfied with the appearance of the scar, and there were no reports of recurrence during the follow-up period.Overall, US-guided percutaneous catheter placement and hydrostatic pressure irrigation are successful strategies for the treatment of lactational breast abscesses larger than 5 cm. These methods not only reduce the treatment time and improve the patients' clinical course but also provide cosmetic effects. What is already known on this subject? The current consensus on breast abscess treatment is that lesions <3 cm can be effectively treated by aspiration alone, lesions >3 cm require catheter drainage, lesions <5 cm have proven to be safe and effectively treated by US-guided ultrasound therapy, and lesions >5 cm, whether multi-loculated or longstanding, require surgical incision and drainage. What do the results of this study add? We tried to use this method to increase the cure rate of US-guided minimally invasive treatment for large abscesses. The results showed that all patients were cured successfully, requiring no further surgical intervention. Moreover, no complications occurred, and no patients developed sequelae. During the three-month follow-up period, there was no evidence of recurrence in any case. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Questions remain regarding the treatment's generalisability, potentially lengthy hospitalisation, and technical limitations of the existing instrumentation. Long-term follow up and larger sample size Randomised clinical trials studies are still needed to rigorously and scientifically ensure the method's benefits over conventional open surgery in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Primary breast tuberculosis (TB) is a rare extrapulmonary TB mainly affecting young women of childbearing age from endemic countries. Its incidence is increasing in immunocompromised and HIV-infected people and with the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). There are no specific clinical signs suggestive of this disease, it often presents as a hard mass or breast abscess. There is an overlap of features with other inflammatory, infectious, benign lesions, fat necrosis and malignant neoplasms of the breast. The detection of MTB remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Several other diagnostic modalities are used, with varying lack of sensitivity and specificity, and with a range of false negatives. A quarter of cases were treated solely on the basis of clinical, imaging or histological suspicion, without confirmation of the diagnosis. Therefore, we report the case of a young Vietnamese woman, presented for a nonhealing breast abscess, and diagnosed with breast TB based on the patient's ethnicity, histological findings, lack of clinical response to conventional antibiotic therapy, and a good clinical response to anti-TB treatment.