Berg W A, Caskey C I, Hamper U M, Anderson N D, Chang B W, Sheth S, Zerhouni E A, Kuhlman J E
Russell P. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Services, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21287.
Radiographics. 1993 Nov;13(6):1323-36. doi: 10.1148/radiographics.13.6.8290727.
A total of 135 symptomatic women with 262 breast implants were examined with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging performed with a body coil, ultrasound (US), or both to determine imaging features of implant rupture. Surgical proof was available for 33 women with 62 implants; 24 were ruptured and 38 were intact. Complicated internal structure was the most reliable predictor of implant rupture: Diffuse low-level echoes were seen on sonograms in 56% of ruptured implants; internal membranes (which correspond to the collapsed implant shell) were seen on MR images in 58% of ruptured implants. Fluid droplets were seen within the silicone in 26% of ruptured implants on MR images. Irregular implant contour can be a sign of rupture but is unreliable. Fluid collections around silicone implants are not a sign of rupture. At present, neither US nor conventional MR imaging with a body coil is sufficiently reliable to advocate routine screening of asymptomatic women with breast implants. Evaluation with MR imaging performed with a surface coil is more reliable.
