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Fungal colonization within a tissue expander: a case report
1Department of Plastic Surgery Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. shariatim@mums.ac.ir
Abstract:
Fungal contamination derived from prosthetic substances is not common, although because of the following reasons the number of cases has increased in the recent years: increased life expectancy, and therefore a greater number of surgical candidates; higher rates of underlying diseases, which are accompanied by immunosuppressive disorders that can cause a higher susceptibility for such infections. Most reports of infection in breast prosthesis and tissue expanders are bacterial infections, and fungi cases are still rare. Hereby, we report a case of Aspergillus colonization in a tissue expander of a patient with an old burn scar. This fungal growth inside saline-filled tissue expander was asymptomatic and not troublesome. It also caused no changes in the patient's treatment course.
Insights
Fungal contamination of medical implants like tissue expanders is rare, with bacterial infections being more common. This case highlights asymptomatic Aspergillus colonization in a tissue expander, posing no clinical issue.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Fungal contamination of prosthetic materials, including tissue expanders, is uncommon but increasing due to factors like aging populations and immunosuppression.
- While bacterial infections are predominant in breast prosthesis and tissue expander cases, fungal infections remain rare.
Observation:
- A case of Aspergillus colonization was identified within a saline-filled tissue expander in a patient with a history of burn scars.
- The fungal growth was asymptomatic and did not necessitate any alterations in the patient's ongoing medical treatment.
Findings:
- Aspergillus colonization in a tissue expander can occur without clinical manifestation or adverse effects.
- This case suggests that asymptomatic fungal colonization may not always require intervention in patients with prosthetic devices.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering fungal etiologies in prosthetic device infections, even when rare.
- Suggests potential for asymptomatic fungal colonization in tissue expanders, warranting further investigation into clinical significance.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the management of prosthetic devices in patients with risk factors for fungal infections.
