Clinical experience with aspiration of breast abscesses based on size and etiology at an academic medical center. Issue 9 (27th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Giess, Catherine S.; Golshan, Mehra; Flaherty, Karen; Birdwell, Robyn L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical ultrasound. Volume 42:Issue 9(2014:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 513
• Page End: 521
• Publication Date: 2014-06-27
• Subjects: Ultrasonics in medicine -- Periodicals; 616.07543
• DOI: 10.1002/jcu.22191
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-2751

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="jcu22191-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Purpose</title> <p>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).</p> </sec> <sec id="jcu22191-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="jcu22191-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="jcu22191-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>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. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. <italic>J Clin Ultrasound</italic><bold>42</bold>:513–521, 2014</p> </sec> </abstract>