Breast gangrene in an HIV positive woman: A rare presentation

Abstract

Introduction: Breast gangrene is a very rare surgical condition with relatively few published cases. Many factors have been attributed to the condition, of which Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a rare cause. This paper presents a case of breast gangrene in an HIV-infected patient. Case report: A 54-year-old previously healthy widowed woman presented with gangrene of the right breast. She was HIV positive with CD4 count of 200 cells/mm3. A mastectomy was performed and the wound healed after 3 weeks. Conclusion: This case demonstrates a rare complication of HIV infection. Treatment should be started immediately and should include resuscitation, antibiotics, mastectomy or serial debridement. Additional anti-retroviral therapy should be administered according to standard guidelines.