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

Eur Radiol. 2002 Sep;12(9):2198-206. doi: 10.1007/s00330-002-1362-x. Epub 2002 May 9.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Implantation
  • Breast Implants / adverse effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Mammaplasty
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Silicone Elastomers

Substances

  • Silicone Elastomers