Breast imaging of infectious disease

Br J Radiol. 2023 Mar;96(1143):20220649. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20220649. Epub 2023 Jan 18.

Abstract

Infectious diseases of the breast can demonstrate a wide variety of clinical presentations and imaging appearances. Breast abscesses are often a complication of infectious mastitis of the breast. Puerperal mastitis is the most common cause of breast abscess, typically affecting postpartum females. Often diagnosed clinically, it is usually treated with antibiotics without need for imaging. Non-puerperal mastitis is relatively uncommon and typically subareolar in location. Patients can present with asymmetric breast thickening, a palpable lump, nipple discharge, or axillary adenopathy. These presentations can mimic malignancy. Herein, this pictorial review demonstrates imaging findings of common and uncommon infectious processes of the breast and clinically important mimickers of breast infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Breast / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast / pathology
  • Communicable Diseases* / complications
  • Communicable Diseases* / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mastitis* / diagnosis

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents