Fluid channels within the breast parenchyma: a feature in breast inflammatory conditions at sonomammography

Breast abscesses have been previously described in ultrasound literature. However, they may be confused with malignant masses both mammographically and by ultrasound. In this study, we have identified a new additional feature which has not been previously described and is more specific to infective conditions. At ultrasonography horizontal or oblique communicating or non-communicating fluid channels were demonstrated in 84.6% patients with infective inflammatory conditions. These fluid channels are easily differentiated from dilated ducts or blood vessels by their appearances. Abscess collections were seen in 76.9%. Other findings in inflamed breasts, e.g. parenchymal posterior shadows, ductal dilatation etc., were inconsistently present and are not sufficiently specific. No fluid channels were observed in patients with malignant disease. It appears, therefore, that the presence of fluid channels usually denotes infective inflammation, if no recent surgery has taken place. This finding will help in differentiating infective inflammatory lesions from malignant focal lesions.