MDCT imaging of Alloderm biologic mesh spacers in the abdomen and pelvis--preliminary experience

The purpose of this study was to assess the attenuation characteristics of the Alloderm Biologic Mesh Spacer (ABMS) in the abdomen and pelvis. Of nine patients with ABMS, five underwent multidetector computed tomographic scans at 1, 4, and 7 months postsurgery. Two patients underwent positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). The pre- and postcontrast images were evaluated for attenuation characteristics of ABMS. The PET-CT scans were reviewed for [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake. We observed increase in the attenuation characteristics of the spacers on follow-up imaging (P<.05). No FDG uptake was noted on PET-CT. To conclude, ABMS demonstrates soft tissue attenuation on noncontrast CT and shows increase attenuation on serial CT scans.