Clinical and imaging characteristics of Polyimplant Prosthesis hydrogel breast implants

To describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of Polyimplant Prosthesis (PIP) hydrogel breast implants.

Seven patients with surgically confirmed 8 ruptured and 6 normal PIP hydrogel implants were enrolled in our study. We reviewed retrospectively the medical records and breast ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the patients.

Breast asymmetry was the most common clinical feature of PIP hydrogel implant rupture. The main radiologic finding of ruptured implants was a significant fluid collection around the implant. All 4 intracapsular ruptures showed no significant collapse of the implants despite a large accumulation of fluid surrounding the ruptured implants on ultrasonography and MRI. Three extracapsular ruptures showed variable collapse of the implants, partial collapse in 1 implant and total collapse in 2 implants. One extracapsular rupture showed enlargement of the implant. Ultrasonography and MRI revealed hydrogel extension to the muscles and chest wall in all 4 extracapsular ruptures and extensive inflammation and fibrosis in 3 extracapsular ruptures.

Polyimplant Prosthesis hydrogel implant rupture can be clinically silent. Knowledge of clinical and radiologic findings of the ruptured implants will be helpful in its diagnosis.