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Imaging of tuberculosis of the breast: 21 cases and a review of the literature
Author(s) -
Meerkotter Debra,
Spiegel Keren,
PageShipp Liesl Shirley
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1754-9485
pISSN - 1754-9477
DOI - 10.1111/j.1754-9485.2011.02306.x
Subject(s) - medicine , mammography , tuberculosis , breast cancer , presentation (obstetrics) , radiological weapon , axillary lymph nodes , retrospective cohort study , disease , radiology , breast imaging , abscess , general surgery , surgery , cancer , pathology
Summary This study was conducted to assess the mammographic and sonographic features of tuberculosis (TB) of the breast seen at the Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. The study is a retrospective review of patients who presented to the mammography department with breast symptoms subsequently diagnosed as TB or ‘highly suspicious for TB’. The search of records extended over a period of 6 years (2002–2008). The search identified 21 patients who met the criteria. Patient characteristics, clinical presentation and radiological features have been analysed. The most common presentation of TB of the breast was an oedematous breast secondary to enlarged unilateral axillary lymph nodes. Only 33% of the patients presented with a palpable breast mass as the primary complaint. The significance of TB associated breast disease lies in recognising the disease entity as it can mimic breast cancer or pyogenic breast abscess.