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RACS ASC 2024

Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii recurrent breast abscesses: A rare case

Poster

Poster

Disciplines

Breast Surgery

Presentation Description

Institution: Redland Hospital - Queensland, Australia

Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii is a rare Gram positive, non-spore-forming, non-motile Corynebacterium. It was traditionally deemed as contaminants in clinical specimens as they have rarely been associated with infections in humans. However, recent literature has suggested a link between Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii as a pathogenic cause for recurrent breast abscesses and granulomatous mastitis (GM). In fact, a recent retrospective case series of 135 patients has shown a prevalence of Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii related breast abscesses to be 8% in all patients, 32% in chronic abscesses and only 1% in acute abscesses. Commonly known risk factors for developing non-lactational breast abscesses include diabetes, smoking and obesity. Diagnosis of the causative pathogen is often identified by obtaining a swab culture. However, as this organism is difficult to isolate with conventional culture methods, Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii related breast abscesses are often difficult to diagnose, thus delaying proper management. Furthermore, there is yet to be a general consensus guideline on the management of Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii related breast abscess and granulomatous mastitis. Thus, patients affected often present with recurrent breast abscesses despite multiple surgical abscess drainages and antibiotic treatment. This poster presents a rare case of spontaneous Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii related recurrent breast abscess in a patient with nil known risk factors.

Speakers

Authors

Authors

Dr William Swee Keong Khoo - , Dr Zhuang Hui Mark Le -