Rusty Pipe Syndrome: First Case Report from a Nigerian Lactating Mother

Abstract Background Rusty pipe syndrome is a rare medical condition seen in late pregnancy or early lactation, which may affect successful breastfeeding despite being benign and self-limiting. Although rare, RPS can cause significant concern for mothers, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Thus, we highlight this case report in a Nigerian lactating motherCase presentation A 24-year-old first-time mother delivered an infant with a birth weight of 3000 g via spontaneous vaginal delivery at 38 weeks of gestation. While attempting to breastfeed her baby, the mother experienced painless bilateral bloody nipple discharge. Physical examination of her breasts revealed that they were unremarkable. Breast ultrasonography and cytological analysis of the discharge revealed no signs of neoplasm. The bloody discharge resolved spontaneously over 72 hours, and she continued to breastfeed her baby exclusively.Conclusion Rusty pipe syndrome is a benign, self-limiting condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bloody nipple discharge. Awareness of this rare disease among medical healthcare workers would be extremely beneficial and help ensure successful breastfeeding.