Characteristic imaging features of breast fibroadenomas in women given cyclosporin A after renal transplantation

Abstract

The fibroadenomas that developed in kidney-transplant recipients given chronic cyclosporin A and prednisolone immunosuppressive therapy had a tendency to be multiple, bilateral, and larger than those that developed in the control patients. These fibroadenomas also exhibited some imaging features that differed from those of typical fibroadenomas that develop in women who have not undergone organ transplantation or immunosuppressive therapy.

Fibroadenomatosis involving bilateral breasts and axillary accessory breast tissues in a renal transplant recipient given cyclosporin A

“…Immunosuppressive drugs are used to prevent and treat rejection of transplanted tissues and organs . Cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressant used alone or in combination with other drugs, is well recognized, but its use can lead to adverse effects whose mechanisms are poorly understood . It has been linked to non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and increased incidence of endocrine, renal, and cutaneous malignancies.…”

“…It has been linked to non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma, and increased incidence of endocrine, renal, and cutaneous malignancies. Benign mucocutaneous conditions, such as hypertrichosis, gingival hypertrophy, and fibroadenomas, can also be seen in lifelong users …”

“…There are mentions in the literature of cyclosporin A–induced fibroadenoma development in breast tissue. Son et al reported that 10 of 486 renal transplant recipients given lifelong cyclosporine developed fibroadenomas. That study also found that the patient group given immunosuppressants was prone to have multiple large, bilateral fibroadenomas, in comparison with the control group.…”

Cyclosporine-A therapy-induced multiple bilateral breast and accessory axillary breast fibroadenomas: a case report

“…Another form of diffuse breast changes is generalized painful breast hypertrophy. This has to be differentiated from inflammatory breast cancer, infiltrative lymphoma and leukemic breast disease by performing a meticulous triple assessment to excluded malignancy in these patients[3,5]. …”

Radiological findings of breast involvement in benign and malignant systemic diseases

“…An arteriovenous fistula for dialysis results in prominent venous collaterals in the ipsilateral breast ( Figure 5 ). As a consequence of the medications used in patients undergoing renal transplantation, fibroadenomas can be commonly seen in women taking cyclosporine ( 5 ) and infectious processes can result from the immunosuppressive state. In men with chronic kidney disease, the drop in serum testosterone levels may cause gynecomastia.…”