Ultrasound as a Valuable Imaging Modality in Sclerosing Lymphocytic Lobulitis: Imaging Features Based on a Retrospective Cohort Analysis of 51 Cases

Abstract

Purpose: Sclerosing lymphocytic lobulitis (SLL) is a rare benign breast condition usually associated with diabetes mellitus and whose imaging features have been assessed in few studies, limiting the adoption of diagnostic guidelines. We aimed to identify the main morphological features associated with SLL on imaging examinations (mainly ultrasound and mammography) and to retrospectively evaluate the role that each method played in the diagnostic workup (detection and indication for biopsy). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a high-volume single center, encompassing 51 consecutive patients (100% female; 26-78 y; 43.7 ± 15.5 y) with histopathologically proven SLL (59 lesions; 0.5-6.1 cm). Results: Most lesions (31/59; 53%) were found in asymptomatic individuals. Ultrasound detected 91.1% (51 out of 56 lesions assessed by this modality), of which 94.1% were non-circumscribed masses (BI-RADS® 4). Mammography detected 41.6% (15 out of 36 lesions assessed by this modality), with a predominance (80%) of non-calcified ones (masses, asymmetries and distortion). Two-year follow-up was achieved in 29 lesions (49%), showing complete remission (45%) or stability (41%) in most cases. Conclusions: Most lesions in this retrospective sample have been detected by means of ultrasound and had their need for biopsy indicated by this modality. Female diabetic patients younger than 40 years presenting with a palpable lesion and a non-circumscribed mass on ultrasound could be submitted to core biopsy; histopathologic findings suggestive of SLL should be considered concordant in this scenario, with subsequent conservative treatment.