Methotrexate in the Treatment of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis

Objective Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a disfiguring inflammatory breast disease without effective treatment. We report the largest IGM cohort treated with methotrexate monotherapy. Methods Chart review was performed on patients evaluated by the Rheumatology Clinic, with histopathologically-established IGM, treated with methotrexate, and at least one follow up appointment. Results Nineteen female patients with an mean age of 33.5 years were identified. Most failed treatment with antibiotics, prednisone, and surgical intervention. By 15 months of treatment with methotrexate, 94% had disease improvement and 75% achieved disease remission. Conclusion Methotrexate monotherapy is an effective treatment for IGM.