Purpose of Review
Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the breast are common with overlapping clinical and imaging features. This comprehensive review outlines the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical and imaging features of these conditions including puerperal and non-puerperal periductal mastitis, idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, infected dermal lesions and other uncommon causes of breast
... [Show full abstract] infection. Finally, we outline treatment strategies and highlight special considerations for consent and percutaneous intervention in these patients.
Recent Findings
Treatment of these diseases requires a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach with close clinical follow-up. Apart from idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, the mainstays for treatment have not changed substantially in the previous ten years.
Summary
A comprehensive diagnostic approach to managing women who present with infectious or inflammatory conditions of the breast is key to making the diagnosis. In many cases, the radiologist acts not only as a diagnostician but plays a major role in treating these patients through percutaneous intervention.
