Tuberculous mastitis: A review of 32 cases. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farrokh, Donya; Alamdaran, Ali; Feyzi Laeen, Ali; Fallah Rastegar, Yalda; Abbasi, Bita
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 87(2019)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Breast imaging -- Ultrasound -- Tuberculosis -- Tuberculous mastitis; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.08.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Tuberculosis, has now re-emerged in the developed countries following the surging waves of immigration. Tuberculous mastitis is a rare presentation of tuberculosis that has been called the 'great masquerader' due to its multifaceted presentations. Solitary breast mass is the most common clinical presentation of tuberculous mastitis and is associated with inflammatory findings in the majority of cases. Multiple intercommunicating breast masses with axillary lymphadenopathy are the most common ultrasound appearance. Abstract: Background: Breast tuberculosis (TB) is a rare disease, still present in endemic areas. The significance of breast TB is due to its rare occurrence and its resemblance to malignant breast lesions. The objective of this study was to study various clinical presentations and imaging features of different forms of tuberculous mastitis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over a 10-year period. Thirty-two consecutive patients diagnosed with tuberculous mastitis were included. Results: There was only one male patient in this series. The patients ranged in age from 25 to 60 years (mean age was 33.69 years). A solitary breast mass was the most common clinical presentation, which was associated with inflammatory findings in the majority of cases. The most common mammographic finding was diffusely increased density and the most common pathological finding was solitary mass. The most common appearance on ultrasound was of multiple intercommunicating breast masses with axillary lymphadenopathy. Conclusions: Breast TB should be considered in the differential diagnosis in the presence of a painful breast mass, discharging sinuses, mastitis, or a breast abscess that does not respond to conventional medical treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is required to aid timely diagnosis and to provide appropriate management and treatment in order to avoid complications.