Treatment of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis using ultrasound-guided microwave ablation: a report of 50 cases

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation combined with glucocorticoid therapy for treating idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). Methods From June 2017 to March 2020, 50 consecutive patients diagnosed with IGM using puncture histology were included. All patients received prednisone and ultrasound-guided microwave ablation and were closely monitored for 12–15 months. Results A total of 222 lesions in 50 patients were ablated. The results indicated that 78% of cases were cured within 12 months and an additional 20% were cured within 15 months; the recurrence rate was 2%. The clinical and pathological remission rate of the entire group was 98%. The main postoperative complications were local pain, skin ulcerations and sinus formation, skin and areola heat damage, subcutaneous congestion, and fat liquefaction, all of which were conservatively treated. Conclusion Microwave ablation combined with glucocorticoid therapy was safe and effective for the treatment of IGM, with a low recurrence rate. In addition, the cosmetic appearance of the affected breast was preserved with little trauma. Therefore, microwave ablation is a viable method that can be successfully applied in clinical practice.