Clinical Features and Causes of Delayed Diagnosis of Breast Abscess during Lactation Period

LIANG Qi; HUANG Wei; LUO Jing

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1002-3429.2024.08.004

Abstract：Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and causes of misdiagnosis of breast abscess during lactation period,and to summarize the preventive measures.Methods The clinical data of 10 patients with breast abscess during lactation period,which were misdiagnosed as breast duct obstruction or galactocele from January to June 2023,were retrospectively analyzed.Results All the 10 patients presented with breast mass accompanied by pain during lactation peri-od.There was no surface skin swelling and fluctuation sensation in the breast.Of them,7 patients were misdiagnosed with breast duct obstruction and 3 with galactocele.Conservative treatment for 2-5 d was ineffective,but breast abscess was diag-nosed through color Doppler ultrasound-guided puncture.Ten patients were treated with 1 to 4 repetitions of color Doppler ul-trasound guided abscess puncture irrigation drainage.Ultimately,7 patients were cured,2 were further treated with catheter-ization and drainage under general anesthesia,and 1 was treated with catheterization and drainage through a small incision.All the 10 patients were treated successfully and the prognosis was good.Conclusion For patients with breast mass occurring in a short period of time during lactation period,clinicians cannot simply judge whether they are suppurative by redness,swelling,heat,pain and fluctuation.Color Doppler ultrasound examination is required,combined with comprehensive analysis of the patient's onset time,symptoms and signs.For abnormal sound and image areas indicated by color Doppler ultrasound,hot compress and massage should be avoided,and diagnostic puncture should be performed if necessary,to make a clear diag-nosis.