MAMMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF BREAST TUBERCULOSIS - THE SKIN BULGE AND SINUS TRACT SIGN

Six cases with bacteriologically and/or histologically proven breast t uberculosis were analysed out of 1152 consecutive mammograms performed . The objective was to identify some factors that may facilitate pre-o perative mammographic and ultrasonographic diagnosis of breast tubercu losis. Nipple retraction and coarse stromal texture occurred in all si x cases, In five cases there was an ill-defined breast mass, skin thic kening, and a reduction in size of the affected breast, A unique findi ng was a sinus tract connecting the breast density to a localized skin thickening and bulge which occurred in only two cases. Ultrasonograph y showed cystic masses, The incidence of breast tuberculosis in the st udied population was 0.52%. A mammographic demonstration of a dense tr act connecting an ill-defined breast mass to a localized skin thickeni ng and bulge (skin bulge and sinus tract sign) is strongly suggestive of tuberculous breast abscess, Change in shape and outline of the brea st mass can be seen in the standard breast views.