Cystic neutrophilic granulomatous mastitis: Association with gram-positive bacilli and corynebacterium

Megan L. Troxell, Nicole T. Gordon, J. Stone Doggett, Morgan Ballard, John T. Vetto, Rodney F. Pommier, Arpana M. Naik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether cystic neutrophilic granulomatous mastitis (CNGM) can be associated with Grampositive bacilli and Corynebacterium Methods: We reviewed our experience with 35 granulomatous mastitis patients over a 10-year period, including histologic pattern, Gram stain and other microbiologic data, clinical presentation, treatment and outcome. Results: Biopsies from 19 patients demonstrated CNGM, while 16 patients had other patterns of granulomatous mastitis. Gram-positive organisms were seen within microcystic spaces in 16/19 CNGM, but 0/16 non-CNGM patients (P=.000). Culture or molecular studies demonstrated Corynebacterium species in three, all CNGM. Patients with CNGM were more likely to be younger, of Hispanic ethnicity, and born outside of the United States. Granulomatous mastitis resolved after a protracted course with widely variable treatment (antibiotics, surgery, steroids). Conclusions: Our data further support CNGM as an infectious disease; further study of Corynebacterium-directed therapy in CNGM is needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)635-645
Number of pages11
JournalAmerican journal of clinical pathology
Volume145
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2016

Keywords

  • Corynebacterium
  • Cystic neutrophilic granulomatous mastitis
  • Gram-positive rods
  • Granulomatous mastitis
  • IgG4

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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