Breast abscess

Case contributed by Andrew Murphy
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Female with febrile neutropenia and a dry cough

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

PICC line is projecting into the right atrium, there is a radiolucent region measuring around 3 cm projected over the right breast. The appearance is of an air-fluid level. Given the patients history, this may be an abscess however, ultrasound is recommenced for further evaluation.

Patient was referred to ultrasound for further assessment, upon presentation to ultrasound it was discovered that the patient had biopsy around the area of interest 8 days ago.

ultrasound

Deep to the site of the recent biopsy in the right breast there is a complex fluid collection.  Findings would be in keeping with a breast abscess or complex seroma.

Case Discussion

Unfortunately, lab results were not available for this particular collection, however, a sound point to take away from this case is to assess all aspects of the radiograph including the soft tissue.

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