Clinical and imaging features of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis - The diagnostic challenges and a brief review

Abstract

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM), or granulomatous lobular mastitis is a rare, benign, inflammatory condition of the breast, without an identifiable underlying etiology. The clinical and imaging diagnosis of this entity is challenging with the presentation frequently mimicking inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC). Mammography and breast ultrasound (US) have an important role in its detection, however, biopsy is imperative for histopathological confirmation. We present three cases of biopsy proven IGM, highlighting the variability of the clinical and imaging features,brieflyreview the relevant literature and discuss the challenges associated with its diagnosis and management.

Keywords: Biopsy; Breast ultrasound; Granular lobular mastitis; Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM); Imaging features; Mammography.