Clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategy of granulomatous mastitis accompanied by Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii: a retrospective cohort study

Background Increasing evidence has suggested that Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii is associated with some cases of granulomatous mastitis, mostly based on pathology or microbiology. We aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and treatment regimens for granulomatous mastitis with Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii infection. Understanding these clinical features is essential for patient care. Methods We retrospectively collected data on 201 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with granulomatous mastitis and had microbiological results of either Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii or no bacterial growth and recorded and analysed their demographics, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes. Results There were 107 patients in the CK group and 94 patients in the negative group. Sinus formation (x 2 = 13.028, p = 0.000), time to complete remission at the first treatment period (Z = -3.027, p = 0.002), diameter of breast mass at first-time medical consultancy (Z = -2.539, p = 0.011) and recurrence (x 2 = 4.953, p = 0.026) were statistically significant. Age (Z = -1.046, p = 0.295), laterality (x 2 = 4.217, p = 0.121), time to presentation since the last delivery (x 2 = 0.028, p = 0.868), BMI (Z = -0.947, p = 0.344), lactation time (Z = -1.378, p = 0.168), parity (x 2 = 1.799, p = 0.180), gravida (Z = -0.144, p = 0.885), history of lactational mastitis or abscess (x 2 = 0.115, p = 0.734), local trauma (x 2 = 0.982, p = 0.322), hyperprolactinemia (x 2 = 0.706, p = 0.401), erythema nodosum (x 2 = 0.292, p = 0.589), and nipple discharge (x 2 = 0.281, p = 0.596) did not demonstrate statistical significance. Regarding recurrence related to therapeutic strategy, except for surgery combined with immunosuppressants (x 2 = 9.110, p = 0.003), which was statistically significant, none of the other treatment regimens reached statistical significance. The recurrence rate of patients in the CK group using rifampicin in their treatment course was 22.0% (x 2 = 4.892, p = 0.027). Conclusions Granulomatous mastitis accompanied by Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii more easily forms sinuses and has a higher recurrence rate. Both of the clinical characteristics may indicate that Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii plays an important role in the development and progression of granulomatous mastitis. Lipophilic antibiotics may be essential for granulomatous mastitis with Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii infection.