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Review
. 2021 Oct;51(11):1959-1969.
doi: 10.1007/s00247-021-05099-4. Epub 2021 Jul 8.

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

Ricardo Restrepo  1 , Luisa F Cervantes  2 , Alexa M Swirsky  3 , Alejandro Diaz  4
Affiliations
Review

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

Ricardo Restrepo et al. Pediatr Radiol. 2021 Oct.

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.

Keywords: Breast; Breast bud; Breast ducts; Children; Development; Gynecomastia; Ultrasound.

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