Brucellar breast abscess

Brucellosis is an endemic disease seen in many countries. It may affect different organ systems. Brucellar breast abscess is a rare entity. We report the radiological findings of breast abscess due to brucella. A 63-year-old female was investigated with mammography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A mass measuring 25×20×15 mm was detected in the left breast on mammography and ultrasonography. The mass was homogenously hyperintense on T1- and T2-weighted MRI images. On contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, peripheral capsular enhancement was found. MR spectroscopic analysis of the mass revealed elevated lipid and acetate peaks. The diagnosis was provided by fine needle aspiration biopsy and specimen culture. The lesion had diminished in size after 12 months’ treatment with combined tetracycline and rifampicine.