Breast infarction during pregnancy and lactation: A case report

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pathology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Spontaneous breast infarction is a rare complication.
• It is associated with physiological breast tissue hyperplasia during pregnancy and lactation.
• The underlying causes and mechanisms remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a rare case of spontaneous breast infarction during pregnancy and lactation.
• To discuss the diagnostic challenges and management of this condition.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 20-year-old pregnant woman.
• Clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, and histopathological examination of mastectomy specimen.
• Review of relevant literature.

Main Results:

• A 20-year-old woman developed a rapidly growing breast mass during pregnancy.
• Histopathology revealed 90% infarction of breast tissue, with involution, hemorrhage, and inflammation.
• Core biopsy findings were inconclusive, necessitating surgical excision for diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• Spontaneous breast infarction during pregnancy is a rare but significant condition.
• Diagnostic challenges exist, emphasizing the importance of definitive biopsy techniques like Mammotome™ biopsy or surgical excision.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for patient outcomes.