Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection after Breast Reconstruction with an Implant: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Breast implant surgery is increasing in Korea. NTM (non tuberculous mycobacteria) infection after breast implant surgery is rare, but it has been there reported in several foreign countries. However, no report has been issued on NTM infection after breast reconstruction surgery with an implant in Korea. The purpose of this article is to report a case of NTM infection after breast reconstruction surgery with an implant. METHODS: A female patient who underwent total mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and an implant exhibited signs of inflammation after the surgery. Fluid cultures taken at the time of wound exploration were initially negative, but NTM was isolated by culture 10 days later. RESULTS: The implant was removed. M. fortuitum was identified by acid-fast culture and NTM-PCR. The patient was treated with combined antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: Although it is difficult to diagnose NTM infection after breast surgery, it is important that surgeons include NTM infection in the differential diagnosis of a post mammoplasty infection after breast implant surgery.