Radiological features of breast benign lesions in patients with hyperprolactinemia

Abstract

Background: The study was conducted to determine whether prolactin (PRL) influences radiological features of benign breast lesions. Methods: During the 4-year period, we observed 50 patients with nipple discharge: 23 with normal serum prolactin levels (group 1) and 27 with hyperprolactinemia (group 2a before hyperprolactinemia treatment and group 2b after hyperprolactinemia treatment). Patients observed during this study underwent breast ultrasonography (US) and mammography. Radiological findings in group 1, group 2a and group 2b were compared. Results: The most frequent radiological findings in group 2a were dilated lactiferous ducts and cystic lesions with statistical significances p<0.001 and p<0.01 in comparison to other radiological findings. In group 1 significantly less presence of dilated lactiferous ducts was observed (p<0.05) and proportional lower frequency of solid lumps compared to group 2a. Our results showed significantly lower incidence (p<0.001) of dilated lactiferous ducts, after hyperprolactinemia treatment (group 2b). In group 2b less presence of solid lumps and enlarged axillary lymph nodes is also observed in comparison to group 2a. Frequency of cystic lesions significantly decreased (p<0.05) and pseudocysts completely withdrew in patients with normalized serum prolactin levels. Conclusion: Prolactin significantly influences radiological presentation of benign breast diseases. Treatment of hyperprolactinemia results in withdrawal of mammary duct ectasia, pseudocystic formations, cystic lesions and solid lumps. Breast ultra-sonography and mammography should be considered as routine diagnostic procedures in patients with hyperprolactinemia.

Keywords

• Hyperprolactinemia
• Ultrasonography
• Mammary
• Mammography
• Breast Diseases
• Mammary Glands
• Human
• Dilatation
• Pathologic