Adverse reaction regarding titanium-based marker clip: case report of a potential complication

Adverse reaction to titanium-based breast marker clip is a very uncommon complication in medicine. We report a 65-year-old female patient who was referred with left breast lumpiness to the assessment clinic. Breast radiology with interesting sequelae following titanium clip insertion, in combination with literature review, will be discussed. The patient had a history of adverse skin reactions to base metals. However, no allergy specifically to titanium was reported. Imaging findings with regard to the symptomatic breast were nonspecific; thus, multiple core biopsies were taken, and titanium clip was inserted. Subsequent histological examination showed benign changes. However, 7 weeks later, the marked area became very tender and the same patient re-presented to the clinic, requesting removal of the metallic component. Following multidisciplinary meetings and discussions, the person underwent ultrasound-guided vacuum biopsy and the clip was removed. The symptoms completely resolved after the successful procedure, and histological examination revealed lymphocytic infiltration of the tissues. Reactions to titanium-based marker clips are rare and only limited records have been found in the literature. More cases need to be reported in order to establish the full significance of such adverse sequelae. It is recommended that medical history with regard to allergies, prior titanium clip insertions, should be discussed.