A Case of a Female Patient Presenting With Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis With Superimposed Enterococcus Avium Infection

Cureus. 2022 Oct 6;14(10):e29997. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29997. eCollection 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is defined as an uncommon, benign, chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that affects the breast and can mimic breast cancer. It usually manifests as a solid, ill-defined breast lump in postpartum women of reproductive age. Furthermore, because it lacks a particular radiographic finding, core biopsy and histology are the only ways to make a conclusive diagnosis. There is no agreement on the best way to treat IGM. Ideally, a multidisciplinary approach should be used to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment option, with options such as observation, antibiotics, surgery, and medication therapy being examined (steroids and immunosuppressants). In this report, we review a case of a patient who had IGM with superimposed Enterococcus avium infection. To our knowledge, such a report is considered unprecedented in the Middle East. A literature review on IGM will be presented, as well as the clinical presentation, association with bacterial infection, treatment, and pathological and radiographic findings.

Keywords: breast lump; chronic inflammation; enterococcus avium; idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (igm); non-necrotizing granulomatous.

Publication types

  • Case Reports