J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Apr;32(4):657-665.

The Value of MRI Findings in Augmented Mammoplasty

• Oh KK
• Kim JH
• Yoon SW
• Jung EK

Abstract

PURPOSE
The objective of augmentation mammoplasty includes reconstruction and cosmesis after breast surgery Increasing frequency of the procedure has been related with increased complications. Authors evaluated the value of breast MRI in the diagnosis of complications after augmentation mammoplasty.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Authors studied 42 breasts of 24 patients, who had undertaken augmentation mammoplasty. We evaluated findings of mammography, ultrasonography, and breast MRI in all patients. We used variable MRI sequences for better evaluation of implant status. The results were compared with the findings in surgical field.
RESULTS
In all imaging studies, nodule or mass was indentifiable in the cases of interstitial paraffine injection(8 breasts), interstitial silicon injection(7 breasts), and herb medication(2 breasts). However, the differentitation between malignant and benign nodule was only possible at dynamic breast MRI. Mammogram was not helpful in the evaluation of extracapsular rupture in the cases of silastic bag insertion. In sonogram, identification of echogenic material was possible, although, false negative and false positive rate were high. MRI was able to visualize contour of entire implant and it was able to easily recognize low signal internal structure.
CONCLUSION
MRI was the most accurate diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the character of the palpable mass after augmentation mammoplasty and early detection of breast implant rupture.

MeSH Terms

Breast
Breast Implants
Diagnosis
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Mammaplasty*
Mammography
Paraffin
Rupture
Silicones
Ultrasonography
Paraffin
Silicones