Clinical experience with aspiration of breast abscesses based on size and etiology at an academic medical center.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Our purpose was to review needle aspiration of breast abscesses and identify factors associated with treatment by aspiration alone versus aspiration with surgical incision and drainage (I/D).

METHODS:

This Institutional Review Board-approved, retrospective review of the breast ultrasound database from 2008 to 2010 identified 40 patients (41 abscesses) who underwent aspiration, with or without I/D. Demographics, imaging, number of aspirations, and microbiology were reviewed.

RESULTS:

Twenty-two abscesses underwent aspiration only, 16 > 3 cm, 6 ≤ 3 cm (mean 4.3 cm, range 0.9-10 cm). Known risk factors included lactational (11), 3 weeks post partum (1), pregnancy (1), recent biopsy/lumpectomy (5). Nineteen abscesses underwent aspiration and I/D, 15 > 3 cm, 4 ≤ 3 cm (mean 4.1 cm, range 2.2-7.5 cm). Known risk factors included lactational (4), recurrent subareolar abscess (4), diabetes (3), hydradenitis suppuritiva (1), nipple piercing (2), smoking (1), pregnancy (1), HIV (1), and lumpectomy (1). Identified reasons for I/D included lack of improvement/recurrence (12), fistula (3), and one electively after clinical improvement of a recurrent subareolar abscess.

CONCLUSIONS:

Abscesses associated with pregnancy and lactation or breast biopsy are effectively managed with aspiration, even when large. Recurrence, chronicity, or fistula may require surgical intervention.

• Authors: Catherine S Giess, Mehra Golshan, Karen Flaherty, Robyn L Birdwell
• Journal: Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU (J Clin Ultrasound) 2014 Nov-Dec Vol. 42 Issue 9 Pg. 513-21 ISSN: 1097-0096 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24975466 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Topics

• Abscess (complications, diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Academic Medical Centers
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Biopsy, Needle (methods)
• Body Piercing
• Breast Diseases (complications, diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Breast Feeding
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Drainage (methods)
• Female
• HIV Infections (complications)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Postpartum Period
• Pregnancy
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Severity of Illness Index
• Smoking
• Suction
• Ultrasonography, Mammary (methods)
• Young Adult