Lupus mastitis - peculiar radiological and pathological features

• Published in: The Indian journal of radiology & imaging Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 170 - 172
• Main Authors: Wani, Abdul Majid, Mohd Hussain, Waleed Mohd, Fatani, Mohamed I, Shakour, Bothaina Abdul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: A-12, Second Floor, Sector -2, NOIDA -201301, India Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd 01.04.2009; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications; Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Pvt. Ltd
• Subjects: Biopsy; Biopsy, Needle; Breast; Care and treatment; Case studies; Diagnosis; Diagnosis, Radioscopic; fine needle aspiration cytology; lupus mastitis; lupus profundus; mammography; Mastitis; Mycobacterium; Special Symposium; Special Symposium - Breast; systemic lupus erythematosus; India; systemic lupus erythematosus; mammography; Biopsy; lupus profundus; fine needle aspiration cytology; lupus mastitis
• ISSN: 0971-3026; 0970-2016; 0971-3026; 1998-3808
• DOI: 10.4103/0971-3026.50834

Abstract Lupus mastitis is a form of lupus profundus that is seen in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. It usually presents as a swelling (or swellings) in the breasts, with or without pain. The condition is recurrent and progresses along with the underlying disease, with fat necrosis, calcification, fibrosis, scarring, and breast atrophy. Lupus mastitis is often confused with malignancy and lymphoma and, in our part of the world, with tuberculosis. Confusion is especially likely when it occurs in an unusual clinical setting. In this article, we present a case that presented with unique radiological, pathological, and clinical features. Awareness of the various manifestations of lupus mastitis is essential if unnecessary interventions such as biopsies and surgeries, and their consequences, are to be avoided.