Post-mastectomy necrotizing fasciitis and immediate prosthetic breast reconstruction: First case report

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly progressive soft tissue infection extending from the skin to the fascia, resulting in extensive necrosis. It is a very rare but serious complication, with mortality ranging from 10 to 15%. Optimal management involves early diagnosis followed by treatment combining antibiotic therapy and wide surgical removal as soon as possible. Localisation in the breast is uncommon. Although most cases are primary necrotizing fasciitis of the breast, several cases of necrotizing fasciitis have been reported in the post-operative aftermath of breast surgery. We present a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the breast following submammary mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using a pre-pectoral silicone implant, which resulted in multiple organ failure and the death of the patient despite optimal medical and surgical management. This is the first case to occur after immediate breast reconstruction.