Necrotizing fasciitis of the breast with shock and postpartum psychosis

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue with high morbidity. NF is frequently found with trauma, bites, surgery, IV drug abuse, diabetes and immune compromised patients. NF involving the breast is not common. Delay in differentiating NF from puerperal mastitis leads to increased morbidity or loss of breast tissue to variable extent. We report a case of NF of the breast in shock with postpartum psychosis necessitating mastectomy.