Rusty pipe syndrome in a 22-year-old primigravida at 26 weeks’ gestation

Abstract

Bloody discharge from the nipple is frightening, but during pregnancy and lactation it may be totally benign. An underlying causative condition should be identified following careful diagnostic investigation. No surgical intervention is needed unless a mass is discovered or the findings on cytological examination of the discharge are suspicious or positive at the initial visit or during follow-up. We report a case of bilateral bloody nipple discharge that started during pregnancy and resolved spontaneously after delivery. This condition is known as ‘rusty pipe syndrome’.

S Afr J OG 2013;19(1):17-18. DOI:10.7196/SAJOG.557