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Published on: January 12, 2017
Ruptured gel-filled silicone breast implants: sonographic findings in 19 cases.
K A Rosculet1, D M Ikeda, M E Forrest
1Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor 48109-0326.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Sonography reveals a unique "echo-dense noise" in ruptured silicone gel breast implants. This finding aids in diagnosing implant rupture, differentiating it from other breast conditions.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Ultrasound Technology
Background:
- Silicone gel breast implants are common for augmentation and reconstruction.
- Implant rupture can occur, necessitating accurate diagnostic methods.
- Sonography offers a non-invasive approach to evaluate breast implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and illustrate the sonographic features of ruptured silicone gel breast implants.
- To identify unique sonographic signs indicative of implant rupture.
- To correlate sonographic findings with clinical and surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of sonograms from 16 patients with 19 ruptured silicone gel implants.
- Correlation of sonographic findings with mammographic and surgical confirmation of rupture.
- Recording and analysis of clinical presentations associated with implant rupture.
Main Results:
- Sonography demonstrated a characteristic "echo-dense noise" in 17 of 19 ruptured implants.
- Hypoechoic masses of extruded silicone were also observed in 10 of these cases.
- In two cases, sonography solely identified hypoechoic masses of silicone gel.
Conclusions:
- "Echo-dense noise" is a distinctive sonographic sign of ruptured silicone gel breast implants.
- This sonographic finding may result from acoustic phase aberration.
- Sonography is a valuable tool for diagnosing silicone gel breast implant rupture.
