Breast augmentation and reconstructive surgery: MR imaging of implant rupture and malignancy

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in detecting prosthesis integrity and malignancy after breast augmentation and reconstruction. Forty-one implants in 25 patients were analyzed by MRI before surgical removal. Imaging results were compared with ex vivo findings. Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast was performed on a 1.5-T system using a dedicated surface breast coil. Axial and sagittal T2-weighted fast spin-echo as well as dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted gradient-recalled-echo sequences were acquired. The linguine sign indicating collapse of the silicone shell or siliconomas indicating free silicone proved implant rupture, whereas early focal contrast enhancement of a lesion was suspicious for malignancy. The sensitivity for detection of implant rupture was 86.7% with a specificity of 88.5%. The positive and negative predictive values were 81.3 and 92.0%, respectively. The linguine sign as a predictor of intracapsular implant rupture had a sensitivity of 80% with a specificity of 96.2%. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed two lesions with suspicious contrast enhancement (one carcinoma, one extra-abdominal fibromatosis). Magnetic resonance imaging is a reliable and reproducible technique for diagnosing both implant rupture and malignant lesions in women after breast augmentation and reconstruction.     

Prevalence of rupture of silicone gel breast implants revealed on MR imaging in a population of women in Birmingham, Alabama

OBJECTIVE. Silicone gel breast implants have been reported to rupture, but the prevalence of implant rupture in an unreferred population of women is not known. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of implant rupture and the presence of extracapsular silicone gel in an unreferred population of women without regard to the absence or presence of any local or systemic symptoms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Women identified as part of a National Cancer Institute cohort study on breast implants, living in the Birmingham, AL, area were invited to undergo MR imaging of their current silicone gel breast implants at the Kirklin Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Three radiologists independently examined and rated all MR images for signs of implant rupture and extracapsular silicone. RESULTS. A total of 344 women with silicone gel breast implants underwent MR imaging. Breast implant rupture was reported by at least two of three radiologists for 378 (55.0%) of the 687 implants in this study. Another 50 implants (7.2%) were rated as indeterminate (suspicious) for rupture. A majority of women in this study, 265 (77.0%) of 344, had at least one breast implant that was rated as ruptured or indeterminate. Radiologists also agreed that silicone gel could be seen outside the fibrous capsule that forms around the implant in 85 (12.4%) of the 687 implants affecting 73 women (21.2%). Factors that affected implant rupture were implant age and location (submuscular or subglandular). The median implant age at rupture was estimated to be 10.8 years with a 95% confidence interval of 8.4-13.9 years. CONCLUSION. The prevalence of silent or occult silicone gel breast implant rupture is higher than was previously suspected. Most women in this study had MR imaging evidence of at least one ruptured silicone gel breast implant.     

乳房假体植入后破裂及泄漏的MRI表现

目的：探讨磁共振诊断乳房假体破裂和（或）泄漏的临床价值。方法：对17例隆乳术后患者行MR扫描，对1个体外正常硅胶液硅胶囊袋假体行相同序列MR扫描作为正常参照。对囊袋假体及注射聚丙烯酰胺假体的MR表现进行分类分析。结果：正常硅胶囊袋单腔假体7例12个，其中4例8个囊内为硅胶液；3例4个囊内为生理盐水。生理盐水硅胶囊袋单腔假体破裂2例2个，其中1 个属囊内破裂，MRI示残留塌陷的硅胶囊袋呈长条状长T1、短T2信号；另1个属囊外破裂，MRI示假体内有多条丝状短T2低信号，即“条丝征”，同侧乳房外见假体内容物颗粒。注射聚丙烯酰胺假体10例20个，其中1例2个完整；8例16个完全破裂，表现为多发条块状、结节状长T1、长T2信号，8例中有7例见双侧乳房腺体内及乳房外有注射物颗粒；1例2个内部撕裂，MRI表现为假体内有多发“条丝征”。结论：MR检查可明确乳房假体的类型、位置；明确假体破裂类型及漏出物的分布范围；因此能为临床手术提供准确定位，为随访复查提供客观资料。     

Silicone exposure associated with breast papillary lesion: A case report

We described a breast papillary lesion related to silicone breast implant exposure. The case report is in accordance with our initial publication, where we proposed that silicone particles may trigger a process of reverse morphogenesis in pericapsular tissue resulting in metaplasia of the epithelial cells. The relationship between breast metaplasia and silicone implants is still little discussed in the literature. Our current study is based on evidence obtained from the files of a patient with a six-year-old history of silicone breast implant, which resulted in a diagnosis of a papillary lesion after a percutaneous breast biopsy. Currently, the main complications related to implants reported in the literature are intra- and extra-capsular ruptures, capsular contracture, and the most severe, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, another complication not yet widely accepted in the literature is breast implant illness, resulting from silicone induced granuloma of breast implant capsule. Many medical specialists are skeptical about silicone disease potential and argue the lack of scientific evidence to support its existence. We believe that presenting these findings and the appropriate discussion of the results should contribute to a better understanding of the pathologies related to breast implants. It is worth mentioning that the safety of breast implants must be questioned.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of Trilucent TM breast implants

AIM: To demonstrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances of intact and ruptured Trilucent TM implants with imaging and surgical correlation. The appearances of the implant transponder artefact are also described MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the MRI findings in 34 patients with bilateral subpectoral Trilucent TM breast implants (Lipomatrix, Inc./Collagen Aesthetics International Inc., Neuchatel, Switzerland) was performed. Patients under implant surveillance and those with suspected implant rupture formed the study group. Imaging findings were correlated with surgical appearances. RESULTS: Surgical correlation was available in 53% of patients. Fifty per cent (18/36) of implants were intact at surgery, 50% (18/36) of implants were ruptured. Of the 18 ruptured implants, 17 were intracapsular ruptures and one an extracapsular rupture. The sensitivity of MRI for detection of intracapsular rupture in Trilucent TM breast implants was 82% specificity 76%, positive predictive value 78%, negative predictive value 81% and accuracy 79% in this study group. No case of implant rupture was obscured by the transponder artefact. Four implants were found to have 'pseudocapsules' at surgery (5.9%), the implants were intact with fluid present between the implant and capsule. Only one pseudocapsule was demonstrated on MRI. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging is currently the most accurate technique for diagnosis of implant rupture in Trilucent TM breast implants. Transponder artefact does not appear to interfere with the assessment of implant rupture.     

Imaging breasts with silicone implants

Over the last two decades, the use of breast implants both for breast augmentation and for breast reconstruction following mastectomy has increased substantially. It is estimated that around two million women have undergone breast augmentation, while hundreds of thousands have had breast reconstruction surgery. Different types of material have been used for breast implants, but silicone gel implants have been the dominating implant type. Many implants can lead to complications, such as hardening and rupture, and may therefore need in vivo evaluation by imaging, particularly if they lead to clinical symptoms. They can also pose problems in the assessment of surrounding breast tissue by conventional mammography. In this respect, imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging offer greater possibilities to assess a failing implant, as well as surrounding breast tissue. Several factors, mainly of a psychological nature, lead to requests for breast implants. In this review article, only the imaging aspects of breasts with silicone gel implants will be dealt with. Each modality is concisely presented with its possibilities and limitations. Received: 5 February 1998; Revision received: 18 May 1998; Accepted: 25 May 1998     

Dual-energy CT for the evaluation of silicone breast implants

Objective

The evaluation of breast implants for rupture is currently the domain of ultrasound and MRI, while mammography is of very limited diagnostic value. Recently, specific visualisation of silicone has become feasible using dual-energy CT. Our objective was to evaluate whether it is feasible to identify silicone in breast implants by dual-energy CT and to reliably diagnose or rule out ruptures.

Methods

Seven silicone breast implant specimens were examined on dual-source CT at 100- and 140-kV tube potential with a 0.8-mm tin filter (collimation 128 × 0.6 mm, current–time products 165 and 140 mAsref with modulation, rotation time 0.28 s, pitch 0.55). Two patients scheduled for implant removal or replacement were examined with identical parameters.

Results

The silicone of the implant specimens showed a strong dual-energy signal. In one patient, both implants were intact, while a rupture was identified in the other patient. Ultrasound, MRI, surgical findings and histology confirmed the dual-energy CT diagnosis.

Conclusion

Dual-energy CT may serve as an alternative technique for speedy evaluation of silicone breast implants. Specific clinical studies are required to determine the diagnostic accuracy and define indications for this technique.

Key Points

? Dual-energy CT makes it possible to visualise silicone in breast implants. ? Silicone provides a strong photoelectric effect that can be detected. ? Initial experience suggests that implant ruptures can be identified or ruled out.     

乳房假体植入后破裂及漏出的MRI表现

目的 探讨MRI诊断乳房假体破裂和(或)泄漏的临床价值. 资料与方法 对15例隆乳术后患者行MR扫描,对囊袋假体及注射聚丙烯酰胺假体的MR表现进行分类分析,与正常假体对照. 结果 硅胶囊袋单腔假体13例26个,囊内为硅胶液;1例2个为双囊假体,外囊为生理盐水,内囊为硅胶液.其中正常假体5例,均为单囊硅胶囊袋假体.硅胶囊袋单腔假体破裂8例16个,其中1例属囊内破裂,MRI示残留塌陷的硅胶囊袋呈长条状长T1、短T2信号;其余为囊内、外均破裂,MRI示假体内有多发条、丝状长T1短T2信号,即"条丝征"、"舌样征",同侧乳房外见假体内容物颗粒.注射聚丙烯酰胺假体1例2个,完全破裂,表现为多发条块状、结节状长T1、长T2信号,MRI表现为假体内有多发"条丝征". 结论 MR检查可明确乳房假体的类型、位置;明确假体破裂的类型及漏出物的分布范围;因此能为临床手术提供准确定位,为随访复查提供客观资料.     

Screening mammography in 350 women with breast implants: prevalence and findings of implant complications.

OBJECTIVE. A series of screening mammograms in asymptomatic women with breast implants was reviewed to determine the prevalence of clinically silent sequelae of breast augmentation and to analyze the mammographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The screening mammograms of 350 consecutive women with implants were reviewed retrospectively by experienced mammographers. Any women who reported problems had a diagnostic examination and therefore were not included in our sample. Mammographic features of sequelae specific to implantation such as development of a fibrous capsule, periprosthetic calcification, implant herniation, and silicone leaks were tabulated. Additionally, modified compression (push-back) views, when obtained, were evaluated for their usefulness. RESULTS. Fibrous encapsulation of breast implants was seen in 257 (73%) of 350 women. Periprosthetic calcification was seen in 90 (26%), and 60 women (17%) had implant herniations. Sixteen women (5%) had implant failure as evidenced by silicone leak. Two of these women had bilateral implant failures. Surgical confirmation was attainable in only five of 16 women. Analysis of modified compression views demonstrated an overall improvement in visualization of breast tissue with this technique. Although the sample size is small, there was a significant increase in the amount of breast tissue seen with push-back views in women with submuscular implants. CONCLUSION. Our analysis revealed a wide range of mammographic findings in this group of asymptomatic women with breast augmentation. Especially worrisome is the 5% prevalence of unsuspected silicone extravasation. Additionally, we have demonstrated the usefulness of push-back views in this screening group, especially in women with submuscular implants.     

Study of breast implant rupture: MRI versus surgical findings

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the role of breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the selective study breast implant integrity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the signs of breast implant rupture observed at breast MR examinations of 157 implants and determined the sensitivity and specificity of the technique in diagnosing implant rupture by comparing MR data with findings at surgical explantation. RESULTS: The linguine and the salad-oil signs were statistically the most significant signs for diagnosing intracapsular rupture; the presence of siliconomas/seromas outside the capsule and/or in the axillary lymph nodes calls for immediate explantation. CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with previous reports, we found a close correlation between imaging signs and findings at explantation. Breast MR imaging can be considered the gold standard in the study of breast implants.     

Ruptured gel-filled silicone breast implants: sonographic findings in 19 cases.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to describe and illustrate the sonographic appearances of 19 ruptured silicone gel breast implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed the sonograms of 16 patients with 19 ruptured silicone gel implants from two institutions. The ruptured implant was confirmed at surgery in 17 cases and by mammographic and clinical findings of a ruptured implant combined with biopsy findings of a silicone granuloma in two cases. Breast sonograms were available for review in all patients. The clinical presentation of each patient was recorded. The sonograms and mammograms were reviewed, and the findings were correlated with the surgical findings. In 16 of the 19 ruptured implants, mammographic findings suggested rupture, including lobulation of the contour of the implant and/or silicone extrusion into the breast parenchyma or axilla. In two ruptured implants, mammographic findings were normal, and in one case, no mammogram was available. In those three patients, palpable masses and clinical findings were suggestive of rupture. RESULTS. Sonography showed a unique echogenic appearance called echo-dense noise, in 17 of the 19 ruptured implants; in 10 of the 17, sonograms showed hypoechoic masses of extruded silicone also. In two ruptured implants, sonograms showed only the hypoechoic masses of extruded silicone gel. CONCLUSION. Our experience suggests that echogenic noise is a unique sonographic sign of ruptured silicone gel breast implants and may be caused by phase aberration related to the speed of sound being slower in silicone than in soft tissue.     

Intracapsular implant rupture: MR findings of incomplete shell collapse

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and significance of the MR findings of incomplete shell collapse for detecting implant rupture in a series of surgically removed breast prostheses. MR images of 86 breast implants in 44 patients were studied retrospectively and correlated with surgical findings at explanation. MR findings included (a) complete shell collapse (linguine sign), 21 implants; (b) incomplete shell collapse (subcapsular line sign, teardrop sign, and keyhole sign), 33 implants; (c) radial folds, 31 implants; and (d) normal, 1 implant. The subcapsular line sign was seen in 26 implants, the teardrop sign was seen in 27 implants, and the keyhole sign was seen in 23 implants. At surgery, 48 implants were found to be ruptured and 38 were intact. The MR findings of ruptured implants showed signs of incomplete collapse in 52% (n = 25), linguine sign in 44% (n = 21), and radial folds in 4% (n = 2). The linguine sign perfectly predicted implant rupture, but sensitivity was low. Findings of incomplete shell collapse improved sensitivity and negative predictive values, and the subcapsular line sign produced a significant incremental increase in predictive ability. MRI signs of incomplete shell collapse were more common than the linguine sign in ruptured implants and are significant contributors to the high sensitivity and negative predictive values of MRI for evaluating implant integrity.     

Cardiac imaging impaired by a silicone breast implant

The authors report a case of a left-sided silicone breast implant interfering with nuclear imaging of the myocardium. Cardiac SPECT imaging of a woman documented widespread infarct in the anterolateral, inferior, and posterolateral walls, as well as mixed ischemia/infarct in the anterior wall. Subsequent cardiac MRI revealed just anterolateral and inferolateral infarct. The anterior wall was completely viable. Also apparent on the MR images was a left breast implant overlying the anterior myocardial wall. This case of a left-sided silicone breast implant interfering with nuclear imaging of the myocardium highlights the importance of understanding the potential interference from silicone breast implants.     

乳房假体破裂及注射水凝胶扩散的磁共振成像

目的 :探讨乳房假体破裂及注射聚丙烯酰胺水凝胶扩散的MRI表现及临床意义。方法 :对 18例隆乳术后患者行MR扫描 ,并与术中所见比较。对假体置入及注射聚丙烯酰胺水凝胶的MRI表现进行分类分析。结果 :正常单腔硅凝胶假体 9例 ;单腔硅凝胶假体纤维囊内破裂 13例 ,MRI示假体内有多发条丝状短T2 低信号 ,即“条丝征” ;单腔硅凝胶假体纤维囊外破裂 2例 ,MRI示乳房腺体内长T2 结节状内容物颗粒。正常聚丙烯酰胺水凝胶注射 3例 ,注射聚丙烯酰胺水凝胶扩散 9例 ,MRI示乳腺后间隙以外部位出现结节状长T1、长T2 信号。结论 :MRI可诊断乳房假体有无破裂或注射聚丙烯酰胺水凝胶有无扩散 ,可明确其漏出或扩散的范围 ,因此能为手术提供准确定位 ,为随访提供客观资料。     

隆乳术后的MRI表现

目的分析隆乳术后MRI表现，探讨其临床价值。方法对63例隆乳术后患者行MR扫描，分别分析置入假体和注射假体的MRI表现。结果40例80只乳房行双侧聚丙烯酰胺水凝胶注入，其中50只乳腺假体呈不规则团块游离于腺体内、胸肌内、皮下等各处。7例行双侧白体脂肪注入，其中12只乳内见纤维脂肪团块，6只乳内见脂液平面，6只胸大肌内见脂肪。16例行双侧乳腺假体置入，其中2例行生理盐水假体置入，2只盐水假体破裂；14例行硅胶假体置入，其中4只假体囊外破裂，10只假体囊内破裂。结论MRI是评价乳腺假体置入术后情况的理想方法。     

MR imaging of the augmented breast

Mammographic evaluation of the augmented breast is challenging, since breast implants obscure significant amount of breast tissue while diminishing the effect of compression. Posttherapeutic scarring can make mammographic interpretation even more difficult. MRI has thus evolved into the modality of choice for diagnosing implant complications as well as detection of primary or recurrent breast cancer in these patient population. The present article attemps to give an overview of the MR findings of different breast augmentation and reconstruction techniques, i. e. prosthetic breast implants, breast reconstruction with autogenous tissue, free silicone injections and fat grafts, and their complications. Received 16 April 1997; Revision received 28 July 1997; Accepted 29 July 1997     

Silicone breast implants in vivo: MR imaging.

This study was designed to evaluate pulse sequences and patient positioning for MR imaging of silicone breast implants in patients. One hundred forty-three patients (281 silicone implants) underwent imaging over a 21-month period. The combination of a T2-weighted fast spin echo technique (SE), T2-weighted fast SE with water suppression, and T1-weighted SE with fat suppression is recommended to reliably differentiate silicone from other breast tissues and to identify intracapsular and extracapsular ruptures or leaks. Seventy of the 143 patients underwent removal of their silicone implants. The sensitivity for detection of silicone implant rupture was 76%, with a specificity of 97%. Positioning the patient prone improved image quality.     

Bilateral implant reconstruction does not affect the quality of postmastectomy radiation therapy

To determine if the presence of bilateral implants, in addition to other anatomic and treatment-related variables, affects coverage of the target volume and dose to the heart and lung in patients receiving postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). A total of 197 consecutive women with breast cancer underwent mastectomy and immediate tissue expander (TE) placement, with or without exchange for a permanent implant (PI) before radiation therapy at our center. PMRT was delivered with 2 tangential beams + supraclavicular lymph node field (50 Gy). Patients were grouped by implant number: 51% unilateral (100) and 49% bilateral (97). The planning target volume (PTV) (defined as implant + chest wall + nodes), heart, and ipsilateral lung were contoured and the following parameters were abstracted from dose-volume histogram (DVH) data: PTV D_95% > 98%, Lung V₂₀Gy > 30%, and Heart V₂₅Gy > 5%. Univariate (UVA) and multivariate analyses (MVA) were performed to determine the association of variables with these parameters. The 2 groups were well balanced for implant type and volume, internal mammary node (IMN) treatment, and laterality. In the entire cohort, 90% had PTV D_95% > 98%, indicating excellent coverage of the chest wall. Of the patients, 27% had high lung doses (V₂₀Gy > 30%) and 16% had high heart doses (V₂₅Gy > 5%). No significant factors were associated with suboptimal PTV coverage. On MVA, IMN treatment was found to be highly associated with high lung and heart doses (both p < 0.0001), but implant number was not (p = 0.54). In patients with bilateral implants, IMN treatment was the only predictor of dose to the contralateral implant (p = 0.001). In conclusion, bilateral implants do not compromise coverage of the target volume or increase lung and heart dose in patients receiving PMRT. The most important predictor of high lung and heart doses in patients with implant-based reconstruction, whether unilateral or bilateral, is treatment of the IMNs. Refinement of radiation techniques in reconstructed patients who require comprehensive nodal irradiation is warranted.     

The diagnosis of breast implant rupture: MRI findings compared with findings at explantation

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as performed according to a strict study protocol in diagnosing rupture of silicone breast implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 64 women with 118 implants, who had participated in either one or two study MRI examinations, aiming at determining the prevalence and incidence of silent implant rupture, respectively, and who subsequently underwent explantation. Implant rupture status was determined by four independent readers and a consensus diagnosis of either rupture (intracapsular or extracapsular), possible rupture or intact implant was then obtained. Strict predetermined rupture criteria were applied as described in this report and findings at surgery were abstracted in a standardised manner and results compared. RESULTS: At MRI, 66 implants were diagnosed as ruptured, nine as possibly ruptured and 43 as intact. Among the ruptured implants, 27 were categorized as extracapsular. At surgery, on average 297 days after the MRI, 65 of the 66 rupture diagnoses were confirmed, as were 20 of the cases with extracapsular silicone. Eight of the nine possibly ruptured implants were in fact ruptured at surgery. Thirty-four of the 43 intact implants were described as intact at surgery. When categorising possible ruptures as ruptures, there were one false positive and nine false negative rupture diagnoses at MRI yielding an accuracy of 92%, a sensitivity of 89%, and a specificity of 97%. Correspondingly, the predictive value of a positive MRI examination was 99% and the predictive value of a negative MRI examination was 79%. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that MRI is highly accurate for identification of silicone breast implant rupture, with a high sensitivity and specificity when evaluation of images are based on presence of well-defined rupture criteria.     

Fibromatosis of the breast in a male patient

Fibromatosis of the breast is a rare soft tissue lesion that arises from the mammary tissue or the pectoral fascia. We present a case of fibromatosis in a 39-year-old male patient who developed a right lateral breast mass in several weeks without prior trauma or surgery. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy findings included differential diagnoses of nodular fasciitis and fibromatosis. The patient was referred to a breast surgeon and underwent excisional biopsy. Final pathology report confirmed fibromatosis. The patient tolerated the surgery well and will continue to follow up post-operatively for recurrence.