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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
08:19
Protocol for the Evaluation of MRI Artifacts Caused by Metal Implants to Assess the Suitability of Implants and the Vulnerability of Pulse Sequences
Published on: May 17, 2018
Guidelines for using breast magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate implant integrity
Peter Kreymerman1, Rebecca J Patrick, Alice Rim
1Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA. kreymerman.peter@mayo.edu
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|March 28, 2009
Summary
Breast MRI effectively evaluates implant integrity, identifying ruptures often missed by physical exams. A new decision tree aids physicians in managing patients with suspected breast implant rupture.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Plastic Surgery
Background:
- Breast implants are used for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes.
- Evaluating breast implant integrity can be challenging due to complex clinical and radiological findings.
- Patient symptoms like breast pain may indicate implant issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experience with breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating breast implant integrity.
- To develop a decision tree to assist physicians in managing patients with potential breast implant ruptures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of data from 81 patients with 146 breast implants.
- Analysis of implant integrity using breast MRI.
- Correlation of findings with patient complaints and physical examination results.
Main Results:
- Breast MRI identified 44 ruptured implants among 32 patients.
- Implant rupture likelihood increased with the duration implants were in place.
- Physical examination findings like contracture or negative results did not reliably exclude rupture.
Conclusions:
- Breast MRI is a valuable tool for assessing breast implant integrity.
- A decision tree can aid in the management of patients with suspected implant rupture.
- Distinguishing implant rupture from malignancy requires careful evaluation, often aided by imaging and structured decision-making.
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