Silicone breast implants in vivo: MR imaging

Radiology. 1992 Nov;185(2):407-10. doi: 10.1148/radiology.185.2.1410346.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Axilla / pathology
  • Breast / pathology
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Mammaplasty* / adverse effects
  • Mammaplasty* / instrumentation
  • Mammography
  • Middle Aged
  • Pectoralis Muscles / pathology
  • Prone Position
  • Prostheses and Implants* / adverse effects
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Silicones* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Silicones