Mucormycotic late seroma after Poland syndrome correction with implant-enhanced latissimus dorsi flap – A case report

Summary

Introduction. Breast malformation correction with implants is a common procedure, and a potential complication is the development of a late seroma, defined as occurring more than one year post-implantation. Etiologies include infectious, auto-inflammatory, and neoplastic factors. This case report presents an unusual case of seroma due to mycosis emerging 15 years after amastia correction using a latissimus dorsi flap (LD) and implants.
Materials and methods. In 2006, a 44-year-old patient underwent amastia correction with an LD flap and implants in Ecuador. She presented with sudden breast volume increase, tension, and pain in the left breast. Urgent intervention involved implant removal, collection evacuation, and total capsulectomy. Cytological/histological analysis ruled out neoplasia, while microbiological examination identified Mucorales as the cause. After an uneventful postoperative period, a definitive breast prosthesis was implanted two years later, following ultrasound evaluation and inflammation indices.
Discussion. Mucorales are opportunistic pathogens, particularly in immunocompromised or uncontrolled diabetes patients, causing infections in sinuses, brain, and lungs. Mucormycosis linked to breast implants in immunocompetent individuals is rare and poorly defined in literature.
Conclusions. Late seroma onset post-breast implants is rare, and a prompt differential diagnosis is crucial due to potential malignancies like BIA-ALCL. Mucormycosis, a potentially lethal condition, requires medical and sometimes surgical intervention. The incidental discovery of Mucorales infection facilitated complete eradication of the pathology, resulting in full recovery.