Low-Dose Methotrexate Use in Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: An Alternative Treatment Method

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare, recurrent and progressive breast disease with an unknown etiology. Patients with IGM will probably face stressful, time-consuming treatment procedures with side effects due to medications. There are different treatment modalities in clinical use including medical and surgical interventions. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to present the results of using the combination therapy of low-dose methotrexate (MTX) and steroid in IGM. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Seventeen patients diagnosed with IGM and treated with MTX were included into the study. Low-dose MTX at 5 mg/week and 8 mg/day prednisone were given for 2–3 months. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After 2–3 months of treatment, 10 patients exhibited (58.5%) complete, 3 patients (17.6%) partial recovery, and no response to the treatment process was observed in 4 patients (23.5%). No side effects of MTX and recurrent events were noted in any of the patients. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Low-dose MTX and prednisone treatment for IGM patients, who did not respond to steroids alone, should be considered as an alternative treatment method instead of surgical intervention.