Demographic Characteristics, Clinical and Laboratory Findings, and Risk Factors in Patients with Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Referred to a Rheumatology Clinic in Kashan (2016–2023)

Zamani, Batool; Dayaghi, Neda; Yazdani, Akram; Motedayyen, Hossein

doi:10.48307/FMSJ.2026.30.1.90

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Volume 30, Issue 1 (Bimonthly 2026)

Feyz Med Sci J 2026, 30(1): 90-101

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Demographic Characteristics, Clinical and Laboratory Findings, and Risk Factors in Patients with Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Referred to a Rheumatology Clinic in Kashan (2016–2023)

Batool Zamani

, Neda Dayaghi

, Akram Yazdani

, Hossein Motedayyen ^*

Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran , hmotedayyen@gmail.com

Abstract: (252 Views)

Background and Aim: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory breast disorder predominantly affecting women of reproductive age. The main challenge of this disease lies in its prolonged clinical course and the need for multiple therapeutic approaches, including medical and surgical interventions. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical characteristics, and associated risk factors of IGM.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with histopathologically confirmed IGM referred to a Rheumatology Clinic in Kashan (2016–2023). Demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory and imaging findings, as well as potential risk factors, were recorded using a researcher-designed checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Results: A total of 100 patients with IGM were evaluated. The mean age was 35.33 ± 7.01 years. Left breast involvement was more common, and lesion distribution across breast quadrants was relatively uniform. The mean duration from symptom onset to definitive diagnosis was 5.13 ± 6.98 months. The most common clinical manifestations included breast pain (93%) and palpable mass (79%). Physical examination frequently revealed tenderness, erythema, and swelling. Histopathological analysis demonstrated prominent lymphocytic infiltration (97%) and multinucleated giant cells (89%). Corticosteroids were the most commonly used treatment (58.5%). Approximately 95% of patients had a history of at least one pregnancy. A significant association was observed between the number of pregnancies and lesion size (P = 0.04).
Conclusion: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare and emerging inflammatory breast disease primarily affecting women of reproductive age, typically presenting with breast pain, mass formation, swelling, erythema, and local tenderness. Definitive diagnosis relies on histopathological findings, particularly the presence of giant cells and lymphocytic infiltration. The findings highlight the importance of considering demographic and clinical factors for timely diagnosis and appropriate management of the disease.

Keywords: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, Epidemiology, Risk factors, Clinical findings, Breast pathology

Full-Text [PDF 424 kb] (32 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: medicine, paraclinic
Received: 2025/12/4 | Revised: 2026/04/19 | Accepted: 2026/01/11 | Published: 2026/03/15

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Zamani B, Dayaghi N, Yazdani A, Motedayyen H. Demographic Characteristics, Clinical and Laboratory Findings, and Risk Factors in Patients with Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis Referred to a Rheumatology Clinic in Kashan (2016–2023). Feyz Med Sci J 2026; 30 (1) :90-101
URL: http://feyz.kaums.ac.ir/article-1-5455-en.html

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