Radiologic Features of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis and Emphasis on Analysis of Socioeconomic Status: Over 5 Years of Experience

The clinical and radiological findings of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) can mimic breast carcinoma and several benign inflammatory breast diseases. The ultrasonographic (US) findings are important for the diagnosis. The purpose of our study was to discuss the radiological findings of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis and to analyze the socioeconomic status of patients to contribute to the etiology. A total of 93 patients with histopathological diagnosis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis were included in the study. We recorded the radiological findings, the frequencies of involving quadrants, accompanying abscess, body mass index (BMI), breastfeeding history, number and age of children, and information indicating socioeconomic status such as monthly income, education level, and living area. Ultrasonography showed tubular hypoechoic masses in all breasts, cutaneous fistula in 50% breasts, abscess formation in 40.6%, and axillary lymphadenopathy in 40.6%. Doppler ultrasonography, mammography (MG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were nonspecific. According to the survey forms, 94.1% of the patients had moderate-low socioeconomic status; 80% of them lived in small towns, rural, or suburbs. Patients who had at least one child that is 6 years old or younger were 78.8% of all. As a result, the sonographic findings together with the information of anamnesis suggest us the diagnosis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. We particularly evaluated socioeconomic status. We think that low socioeconomic status may disrupt immunity as a stress factor and initiate idiopathic granulomatous mastitis due to the autoimmune background of the disease.