[ASIA syndrome associated with breast implants: Fortuitous link or association?]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Autoimmune/Autoinflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA) is linked to adjuvant exposure.
• Controversies exist regarding ASIA syndrome and its association with silicone breast implants (SBI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review published cases of ASIA syndrome in SBI carriers.
• To determine onset circumstances, characteristics, and potential biases of ASIA syndrome in SBI carriers.

Main Methods:

• Literature search of PubMed for original English articles (2011-2019).
• Inclusion of 126 cases of ASIA syndrome meeting Shoenfeld and Agmon-Levin criteria associated with SBI.

Main Results:

• ASIA syndrome diagnosed in ~75% of cases alongside prosthetic complications (rupture, infection, etc.).
• Median time from SBI implantation to symptom onset was 4 years.
• SBI explantation led to symptom improvement in approximately 50% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Uncertainties remain regarding ASIA syndrome and SBI; clear patient information is crucial.
• Mandatory reporting of dysimmune syndromes in SBI carriers could enhance understanding.
• Genetic predisposition for ASIA syndrome in SBI carriers is under investigation.