Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare, chronic, benign inflammatory disease of the breast. Here, we present a rare case of GM caused by brucellosis and present the first review to compile the cases in the literature. The diagnosis was confirmed by the patient's serological and histopathological results. The patient was successfully treated with doxycycline+rifampicin combination therapy for six weeks. In conclusion, infectious agents, especially brucellosis, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of GM in endemic regions. Diagnostic methods, such as tissue culture and serological tests, should be used to detect possible infectious agents if necessary.
Keywords: Granulomatous mastitis; brucellosis; diagnosis; infection; treatment.
Granulomatous mastitis is a rare, chronic, benign disease of the breast. It often occurs within the first five years after birth and can heal spontaneously within approximately two years. In many patients, the cause of the disease cannot be found. Brucella bacteria are usually transmitted to humans through consumption of raw dairy products obtained from small or large ruminants. In humans, it can cause many symptoms, including fever, muscle pain, and back pain. In this report, a rare case of granulomatous mastitis caused by Brucella bacteria is presented. The diagnosis of the disease was made by pathological examination of the biopsy material and serological examination of the blood sample. The patient was successfully treated after a six-week dual antibiotic treatment. In conclusion, Brucella bacteria should also be kept in mind in cases of granulomatous mastitis where the cause is not found in regions where the disease is endemic.