Late breast implant infections: a delayed MRSA infection from hematogenous spread in an intravenous drug user

Abstract

Infection following breast augmentation is a rare event, with an incidence of 0–4% in most studies. We present the case of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bilateral breast implant infection in a 42-year-old female, 19 years after submuscular saline breast augmentation. Her history was significant for intravenous drug abuse and concomitant osteomyelitis of the sternum and manubrium. She underwent washout and debridement, with explantation of the breast implants, and long-term intravenous vancomycin. This represents the longest reported occurrence of late infection in breast augmentation and the only report of a breast implant infection due to hematogenous spread/seeding from intravenous drug abuse.

Level of Evidence: Level V, risk study.