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Breast development in pediatric patients from birth to puberty: physiology, pathology and imaging correlation

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Abstract

Breast tissue undergoes a series of changes from birth to puberty. The majority of the changes are transient, related to physiological hormonal changes. Although the breast is identical in both sexes at birth, its histology and development will eventually differ. It is important for radiologists to have a basic understanding of endocrinological changes and appearance on imaging to avoid potential pitfalls, particularly on ultrasound, which is the primary modality used to evaluate the breast.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, 3100 SW 62nd Ave., Miami, FL, 33155, USA

    Ricardo Restrepo & Luisa F. Cervantes

  2. University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA

    Alexa M. Swirsky

  3. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, FL, USA

    Alejandro Diaz

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  1. Ricardo Restrepo
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  2. Luisa F. Cervantes
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  4. Alejandro Diaz
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Correspondence to Ricardo Restrepo.

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Restrepo, R., Cervantes, L.F., Swirsky, A.M. et al. Breast development in pediatric patients from birth to puberty: physiology, pathology and imaging correlation. Pediatr Radiol 51, 1959–1969 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-021-05099-4

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