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Gas gangrene of the breast: management of a potential life-threatening infection

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Abstract

Introduction

Gas gangrene of the breast is a rare infection and potentially mortal.

Case report

We report a case of a fast extension of a painful right breast erythema whose starting point was a right parasternal cutaneous abscess. A diagnosis of gas gangrene of the right breast was made. A right mammectomy was carried out in Emergency and an antibiotherapy adapted to the germs was given.

Conclusion

Mixed anaerobic and aerobic florae are often responsible for the infection. Its medico-surgical management is an emergency.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gynecology, Archet 2, University Hospital, 151 route Saint Antoine de Ginestiere, BP 3079, 06202, NICE Cedex 3, France

    Jérôme Delotte & André Bongain

  2. Department of General Surgery, Archet 2, University Hospital, 151 route Saint Antoine de Ginestiere, BP 3079, 06202, NICE Cedex 3, France

    Babou Soilihi Karimdjee, Jean-Louis Bernard & Daniel Benchimol

  3. Department of Infectious Diseases, Archet 1, University Hospital, 151 route Saint Antoine de Ginestiere, BP 3079, 06202, NICE Cedex 3, France

    Eric Cua

  4. Department of Thoracic Surgery, Pasteur, University Hospital, 30 Avenue de la Voie Romaine, 06002, NICE Cedex 1, France

    Daniel Pop

Authors
  1. Jérôme Delotte
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  2. Babou Soilihi Karimdjee
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  3. Eric Cua
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  4. Daniel Pop
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  5. Jean-Louis Bernard
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  6. André Bongain
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  7. Daniel Benchimol
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jérôme Delotte.

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Delotte, J., Karimdjee, B.S., Cua, E. et al. Gas gangrene of the breast: management of a potential life-threatening infection. Arch Gynecol Obstet 279, 79–81 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-008-0642-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-008-0642-3

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