Seromas in residual fibrous capsules after explantation: mammographic and sonographic appearances.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the mammographic and sonographic findings associated with seromas that develop in residual fibrous capsules after explantation of breast prostheses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preoperative and postoperative mammograms were reviewed in 86 patients (mean age, 51 years; age range, 24-71 years) who had undergone surgical explantation of breast prostheses. Six seromas were found in four patients 46-68 years of age. Imaging findings were correlated with surgical and laboratory results for three seromas. A presumptive diagnosis was made of the other three lesions.

RESULTS

Mammograms demonstrated all seromas as large, elliptic, water-opacity masses, some with well-circumscribed and some with irregular borders. Sonograms showed thin, compressible masses, two of which were flat and anechoic and one of which was hypoechoic. Three patients' images were initially misinterpreted, leading to excision of two seromas and aspiration of one. Seromas were not identified in patients whose implants were removed by means of complete capsulectomy.

CONCLUSION

Radiologists must be aware of the imaging findings associated with seromas and of a patient's surgical history to avoid biopsy of benign lesions.