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Updated: May 20, 2026
13:35
Endoscopic Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomy via a Single Axillary Incision with Immediate Pre-pectoral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction
Published on: May 17, 2024
[A case of breast necrosis]
M Daguzan1, C Martinez-Mena, P Hermans
1Clinique d'Hémato-Oncologie, Service de Médecine Interne, C.H.U. Saint-Pierre, Bruxelles. marie_daguzan@stpierre-bru.be
Revue Medicale De Bruxelles
|July 21, 2012
Summary
A rare case of Wegener granulomatosis initially presenting as a breast abscess was diagnosed in a 45-year-old woman. This necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis diagnosis was confirmed by mastectomy sample analysis and antineutrophil antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Atypical presentation of a rare autoimmune disease.
- Differential diagnosis of breast lesions and pulmonary nodules.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old woman presented with a persistent breast abscess unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Imaging revealed multiple lung nodules, initially suggesting metastatic carcinoma.
- Systemic symptoms including fever, cutaneous ulcers, livedo reticularis, and arthralgias developed.
Findings:
- Fine needle biopsies of breast and lung showed necrotic tissue, ruling out malignancy.
- Mastectomy sample analysis revealed necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis.
- Antineutrophil antibodies confirmed the diagnosis of Wegener granulomatosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare autoimmune conditions in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions.
- Emphasizes the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical presentations of Wegener granulomatosis.
- Underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic workup beyond initial presumed diagnoses.
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