Methotrexate in the management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: review of 108 published cases and report of four cases.

This study aimed to discuss the role of agents, such as steroids and methotrexate (MTX), in the treatment of patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). Using Pubmed and Google Scholar data bases, a retrospective study was carried out on IGM cases treated with steroids and/or MTX between 1972 and 2010. Four IGM cases treated with MTX at our clinic were also summarized in this study. A total of 541 IGM cases since 1972, including ours, were retrospectively analyzed. Steroid treatment 5-85 mg was administered over 5 days-22 months to 112 patients aged 21-48 years. Recurrence occurred in 22 patients, steroid-induced diabetes mellitus in 5 patients, no response to treatment was observed in 4 patients, in 2 patients, the mass decreased in size, and static disease was observed in one. The steroid treatment was changed to MTX treatment in 4 patients who had recurrence, 5 with steroid-induced DM and in 4 who were nonrespondents. Three patients were started on steroid together with MTX as a primary treatment. Of the patients treated with MTX, a satisfactory result was obtained in 14 cases and in 2, mastectomy was performed because of recurrence despite the treatment with MTX. IGM is a troublesome condition that presents management problems due to the side effects of steroids. Our study demonstrates that the use of MTX in IGM cases has been effective in preventing complications, in resolving the inflammatory process, and in limiting side effects of corticosteroids.