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

BACKGROUND

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.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to present the results of using the combination therapy of low-dose methotrexate (MTX) and steroid in IGM.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.