MRI in insulin-dependent diabetic mastopathy. A case report

A case of diabetic mastopathy studied with MR-mammography is described. It concerns a female patient with long-lasting (10-years) insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. A non-tender, palpable firm-to hard mass of the left breast was found and studied with mammography, ultrasonography and MR-mammography. Surgical excision of the mass was performed. The mammogram revealed dense fibroglandular tissue bilaterally. Ultrasonography showed hypoechoic solid tissue in the region of palpable breast mass with marked posterior acoustic shadowing. MR-mammography showed a hypointense area of fibrosis with poor enhancement. Quantitative analysis revealed a typically benign gradual type dynamic curve. MR-mammography can be useful to differentiate diabetic mastopathy from malignant lesions. In women with diabetic mastopathy MR-mammography, clinical examination and careful follow-up may prevent surgical excision.