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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The spectrum of disease commonly attributed to mastitis occurring in this setting should be expanded.
McAdoo
G L
GL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Creighton University School of Medicine 601 North 30th Street Omaha NE 68131 USA.
Monif
G R
GR