J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Apr;32(4):673-676.

Ultrasonographic Findings of Nonlactiferous Breast Abscess

• Shinn KS
• Hwang SS
• Lee MH
• Kim HH
• Jung SO
• Rho SC
• Jung SL
• Cha ES

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the ultrasonographic features of nonlactiferous breast abscess.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed ultrasonograms of 21 cases with surgically and clinically proved nonlactiferous breast abscess. The cases included 17 cases of acute or chronic inflammation and 4 cases of tuberculosis.
RESULTS
Location of the lesion was subareolar in 15 cases and peripheral in 6. Mean anteroposterior/transverse diameter ratio was 0.49. Internal echogenicitiy of the lesion was variable, with heterogeneous mixed-echoic echotexture in 18 cases and homogeneous hypoechoic in 3. Margin of the lesion was irregular in 18 cases(85.7%) and posterior sonic enhancement was observed in 17 cases(81%). There were also noted obliteration of adjacent superficial fascia, localized skin thickening, and sinus tract or ductal ectasia in 19(90.5%), 9 (42.9%), and 9(42.9%) cases respectively.
CONCLUSION
Major ultrasonographic findings of nonlactiferous breast abscess was subareolar located, variable shaped mass with posterior enhancement. Additional findings were fistular formation, loss of superficial fascia, and axillary lymphadenopathy.

MeSH Terms

Abscess*
Breast*
Dilatation, Pathologic
Inflammation
Lymphatic Diseases
Retrospective Studies
Skin
Subcutaneous Tissue
Tuberculosis
Ultrasonography