Expanding Disease Spectrum Associated With Puerperal Mastitis

BACKGROUND Staphylococcus aureus and the beta-hemolytic streptococci are the commonest causes of puerperal mastitis which tends to be a localized disease process. This report describes 2 cases attributable to these bacteria that resulted in extramammary involvement and augmented morbidity. CASES Two cases of postpartum mastitis are described, one leading to necrotizing fasciitis caused by group A streptococci and the other leading to toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by S. aureus. CONCLUSION The spectrum of disease commonly attributed to mastitis occurring in this setting should be expanded.