Polyarteritis nodosa of the breast: Presentation and management

Abstract

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) of the breast is a rare condition where literature review identified eleven patients so far. The clinical presentation ranged from localized disease involving the breast parenchyma and skin only to breast manifestations as part of systemic PAN. The diagnosis of PAN could be challenging as it can mimic breast cancer, inflammatory carcinomatosis or breast infection including mastitis and necrotizing fasciitis. The key importance is accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary other treatment modalities and the timely recognition of PAN in cases of localized forms. The authors present three new cases which represent the full range of the clinical spectrum and their management.