Imiquimod as a new treatment in refractory idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: report of two cases

Introduction Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare chronic inflammatory lesion of the breast that mimics breast cancer or infection. Immunological pathogenesis is strongly suggested for the disease. Reason for the report The treatment remains controversial, comprising a spectrum from obs...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Daru 2023-12, Vol.32 (1), p.443-447
Main Authors: Alipour, Sadaf, Gholami, Bardia, Orouji, Marzieh, Heydari, Samareh
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adjuvants, Immunologic - administration & dosage
Adjuvants, Immunologic - therapeutic use
Adult
Aminoquinolines - administration & dosage
Aminoquinolines - therapeutic use
Antiulcer drugs
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomedicine
Care and treatment
Case Report
Female
Granulomatous Mastitis - drug therapy
Health aspects
Humans
Imiquimod
Imiquimod - administration & dosage
Imiquimod - therapeutic use
Immunosuppressive agents
Infection
Mastitis
Medicinal Chemistry
Patient satisfaction
Pharmaceutical Sciences/Technology
Pharmacology/Toxicology
Skin
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Introduction Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare chronic inflammatory lesion of the breast that mimics breast cancer or infection. Immunological pathogenesis is strongly suggested for the disease. Reason for the report The treatment remains controversial, comprising a spectrum from observation or NSAIDs to immunosuppressive agents and surgery. Intractable cases are not uncommon and represent a major treatment challenge. Therefore in this study, we examine the effect of a topical immunomodulator agent, imiquimod, on refractory IGM. Case summary Patient 1 had IGM for 9 months and had not responded to the existing treatments. She responded to a 7-week course of imiquimod. In patient 2, the disease had begun 4 months sooner and had been resistant to all treatments; it responded to imiquimod after 4 weeks. Ulcers appeared on the skin of both patients but resolved safely. Outcome Both patients were very satisfied with the results. Imiquimod can be an appropriate local treatment with limited adverse effects in refractory IGM. We propose similar studies to assess the efficacy of imiquimod in IGM further, paying attention to the possibility of developing skin wounds. Graphical abstract
ISSN:2008-2231
1560-8115
2008-2231
DOI:10.1007/s40199-023-00501-y