A review of Imaging Findings of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: Imaging of IGM

Background: Imaging has an established role in the diagnosis and management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). The main purpose of this article is to explain an imaging-based diagnostic approach for IGM and describe the imaging findings of the disease. Methods: The present article is a narrative review of the literature regarding the imaging of IGM. Results: Ultrasound and mammography are the two commonly used modalities for evaluating IGM patients. Focal asymmetry and irregular high-density mass are the most common mammographic findings. Irregular hypoechoic mass with tubular extensions is a frequent ultrasound finding. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used as a complementary modality, but it does not usually change the disease management.. The most important differential diagnosis of IGM includes breast cancer, infectious mastitis, and tuberculous mastitis. There is currently no agreed-upon schedule for the imaging follow-up of IGM patients. Conclusion: The commonly used imaging modalities for the evaluation of IGM include ultrasound with or without mammography. There is currently no consensus on the imaging follow-up of these patients.