Complication after breast implantation in Poland syndrome

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Poland syndrome is a congenital condition characterized by chest wall deformities and upper limb anomalies.
• Congenital chest deformities rarely cause severe functional issues compared to limb anomalies.
• This case involves a patient with Poland syndrome and a history of breast prosthesis implantation.

Observation:

• A 28-year-old female with Poland syndrome presented for breast prosthesis replacement due to dissatisfaction with implant shape.
• Radiographs revealed chest deformity and mediastinal deviation.
• Surgical removal of the prosthesis exposed an area of costal bone resorption on the left side.

Findings:

• The patient exhibited absence of the pectoralis major muscle and a sunken left anterior thoracic wall.
• Costal bone resorption adjacent to the breast prosthesis was observed, exposing the pericardium.
• This represents a potentially novel complication of breast prostheses in Poland syndrome patients.

Implications:

• The findings suggest that breast prostheses, particularly during replacement, may induce regional bone resorption in Poland syndrome patients.
• Compression from implants is a known factor in bone remodeling, warranting consideration in this context.
• Computed tomography is recommended for detailed assessment of bone integrity in such cases before and after prosthesis manipulation.