MAMMOGRAPHIC PATTERN DUE TO RESIDUAL LIPIODOL AFTER GALACTOGRAPHY

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to describe the different mammo graphic aspects of residual Lipiodol ultra fluid (LUF) after galactogr aphy, and to define some specific patterns, because it may in some cas es mimic microcalcifications ansi give diagnostic problems. The mammog rams of 14 patients, aged 32-63 years, presenting LUF residues related to previous galactography, were analyzed retrospectively. In 12 cases the diagnosis was easy because the patients presented a typical patte rn on mammography and came with their initial galactography. In 2 case s the diagnosis was more difficult because the patients did not rememb er the previous injection and the progressive resorption mimicked perf ectly intraductal calcification. Benign duct ectasia with inflammatory reaction to foreign bodies were found in 3 cases in which surgery was performed. Lipiodol ultra fluid is no longer used for galactography, but it may persist in breast ducts or cysts for years and seems to sti ll be used in some countries. There are in most cases specific signs e nabling the diagnosis.