Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Intraductal Injection of LPS as a Mouse Model of Mastitis: Signaling Visualized via an NF-κB Reporter Transgenic
Published on: September 4, 2012
Vasospasm of the nipple presenting as painful lactation
Sarah M Page1, David S McKenna
1Department of Obstetrics, Wright-Patterson Medical Center and Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45433, usa. Sarah.page@wpafb.af.mil
Background:
Breast pain is a common complaint among lactating women. Vasospasm of the nipple should be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast pain, particularly when no other signs of infection or trauma are encountered. This report demonstrates a case of vasospasm successfully treated with nifedipine.
Case:
A 26-year-old breastfeeding multipara presented with intermittent episodes of extreme pain associated with blanching of the nipple. The pain subsided upon return of normal color to the nipple. She was able to continue breastfeeding after successful treatment with nifedipine.
Conclusion:
Vasospasm of the nipple causes severe episodic breast pain and may lead to discontinuation of breastfeeding if not appropriately treated. This phenomenon is not well reported in the obstetric and gynecologic literature, although the obstetrician may be the first physician to evaluate a patient with symptoms. Patients with episodic nipple pain and pallor can be successfully treated with nifedipine.
Related Concept Videos
The Mammary Glands
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...
Vascular Spasm
Angina V: Nursing Management
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
