Recalcitrant Neck Abscesses as a Late Complication of Neck Liposuction: Case Report

An otherwise healthy 29-year-old female presented with a slowly growing neck abscesses 5 months after having a neck liposuction performed. In this case report we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic approach underwent in order to elucidate this difficult diagnosis. After negative laboratory tests and inconclusive pathology reports, PCR for atypical mycobacteria was performed on a sample of the granulomatous tissue. This exam yielded a positive result for M. abscessus, which allowed us to instate a targeted antimicrobial therapy. Infections with M. abscessus are uncommon because this type of mycobacteria is an opportunistic pathogen that depends on direct inoculation to cause infection. Outbreaks have been identified in places performing procedures with improper equipment sterilization techniques. The conclusion is that adequate equipment sterilization should not be spared to avoid these infections. A high suspicion for atypical mycobacteria should be present in patients with this type of recalcitrant neck infections.

Keywords: Atypical mycobacteria; Neck abscess; Deep neck infection; Mycobacterium abscessus; Liposuction complication

Abbreviations: PCR-Polymerase Chain Reaction; RGM-Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria; SGM-Slowly Growing Mycobacteria