Primary actinomycosis of the breast in postmenopausal women

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. Actinomycosis is a chronic infection caused by actinomyces species characterized by an abscess formation, tissue ibrosis, and draining sinuses. Primary actinomycosis of the breast is rare.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this paper we present a 64-year-old postmenopausal woman. For the diagnosis of primary actinomycosis of the breast, mammography, ultrasonography, MRI, and histopathologic examinations are required. Microbiological culture and histopathology are of the most importance during the process of diagnosis. In our case, at the intersection of the sternum and the lower inner quadrant of the right breast, there was a 1 cm wide istula opening, and an abscess. A. israelii has been isolated from the microbiological culture taken from the lesion.

RESULTS: An optimal surgical resection of infected tissues has been performed as the treatment with the wound left open for tertiary healing he patient was given sulbactam 4*1 gr/day intravenously for 4 weeks post-op.. Recurrence was not detected during the yearly follow up procedures

CONCLUSIONS: Actinomycosis should be considered when diferentially diagnosing clinical instances of suppurative or granulomatous infections of the breast and mass regions that can’t be ruled out as malignancies. Early diagnosis will save the patient from unnecessary surgical operations and inefective antibiotic treatments.