Assessment of Imaging Findings in Inflammatory Breast Disease by Ultrasound

Abstract

Abstract Background: Inflammatory breast disorders include a wide array of underlying causes, ranging from common benign infection, noninfectious inflammation and inflammation resulting from underlying breast malignancy. Mastitis refers to inflammation of the breast parenchyma, often presenting with pain, heat and redness that may be a debilitating illness with prolonged morbidity. It may also present with a wide array of other nonspecific symptoms, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Aim of Study: To discuss imaging findings in inflammatory breast disease by ultrasound. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective study which was carried out at Ain Shams University Hospitals; the study was conducted on 100 women with inflammatory breast diseases referred to the Radiology Department and Surgical Outpatient's Clinics. Results: Echogenic edematous fat lobules of the studied group show that; 30 (30.0%) were negative and 70 (70%) were positive, interstitial edema; 24 (24.0%) were negative and 76 (76%) were positive, defined collections; 68 (68.0%) were negative and 32 (32%) were positive. Lymph node enlargement; 54 (54.0%) were negative and 46 (46.0%) were positive. There was lymph node enlargement for only 45 (31 cases show reactive lymph nodes oval in shape with preserved shape and hilum and 14 cases show suspicious lymph nodes with cortical thickening and eccentric hilum). Follow-up by u/s and histopathology of the studied group show that 93 (93.0%) were resolved and 7 (7.0%) were IDC by histopathology. Conclusion: Ultrasound plays a fundamental role in the diagnostic work up of mastitis patients. An ideal ultrasound should ensure an accurate diagnosis, guide for interventional procedures whenever necessary and should be used to monitor adequate management by short term follow-up studies along the course of therapy.