Korean J Radiol.  2013 Apr;14(2):179-182. 10.3348/kjr.2013.14.2.179.

The Unusual Ultrasound Features of a Breast Cholesterol Granuloma Manifesting as an Intracystic Mass: Case Report and Literature Review

• Ahn HS
• Kim SM
• Yun BL
• Kim MS
• Jang M
• Park SY
• Kim SW
• Kang E
• Choi HY

• KMID: 1482775
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2013.14.2.179

Abstract

Cholesterol granuloma of the breast is a rare, benign disease. Here, we present the unique ultrasonographic findings of breast cholesterol granuloma manifesting as an intracystic mass. The findings of this case report may help expand existing knowledge regarding differential diagnosis of intracystic breast masses, which are found on ultrasonographic examination.

Keyword

Breast; Cholesterol granuloma; Ultrasonography

MeSH Terms

Biopsy, Needle
Breast Diseases/pathology/surgery/*ultrasonography
*Cholesterol
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Granuloma, Foreign-Body/pathology/surgery/*ultrasonography
Humans
Mammography
Middle Aged
*Ultrasonography, Mammary
Cholesterol

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Imaging findings of breast cholesterol granuloma in 62-year-old woman. A. Left mammography scan showing well-circumscribed, round high density mass (arrows). Mass exhibited coarse heterogeneous calcifications and peripheral radiolucency. B, C. Ultrasonography scan of left breast showing complex echoic mass (arrows), containing intracystic lobular, solid lesion (B) without vascularity on color Doppler imaging (C). There are no other abnormalities adjacent to mass. D. Core needle biopsy was performed for left breast mass. Mass collapsed after procedure (arrows), and approximately 20 mL of brownish fluid was aspirated. E, F. Gross and microscopic findings of cholesterol granuloma. 4.5 × 4.0 cm cystic lesion (arrows) is evident on cut section (E). Microscopically, characteristic needle-like cholesterol crystals and aggregates of histiocytes are found (F, hematoxylin and eosin, × 400).

Reference

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