Primary breast amyloidosis presenting as microcalcifications only

Korean J Radiol. 2013 Sep-Oct;14(5):723-6. doi: 10.3348/kjr.2013.14.5.723. Epub 2013 Aug 30.

Abstract

Amyloidosis is a rare disease characterized by the formation of pathological protein deposits in organs or tissues. It is typically a systemic disease which can occur in a localized form. Amyloidosis of the breast is uncommon. Common mammographic findings of breast amyloidosis are multiple nodules with or without calcifications. We report a case of primary localized breast amyloidosis presenting suspicious microcalcifications on mammography without associated masses. Mammography in a 72-year-old woman displayed multiple, linearly distributed, irregular and rod-like calcifications in the subareolar area of the left breast. The patient underwent surgical excision under mammo-guided needle localization and the pathology was confirmed to be breast amyloidosis.

Keywords: Amyloidosis; Breast; Microcalcification.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyloidosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Amyloidosis / pathology
  • Breast / pathology
  • Breast Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Diseases / pathology
  • Calcinosis / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis
  • Ultrasonography, Mammary