Imaging of the Reconstructed Breast

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Increasing breast cancer incidence necessitates more breast reconstruction procedures.
• Breast reconstruction is a complex plastic surgery field with diverse options.
• Understanding reconstruction types is vital for accurate imaging interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review various breast reconstruction techniques.
• To highlight key imaging findings for each reconstruction type.
• To detail common and rare complications associated with breast reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on breast reconstruction methods.
• Emphasis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as the preferred evaluation modality.
• Categorization of complications into early and late, implant-based and flap-based.

Main Results:

• Two primary reconstruction types: implants and autologous flaps, each with pros and cons.
• Autologous fat grafting is also a common method.
• MRI is crucial for detecting complications such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, fat necrosis, and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

• Accurate knowledge of reconstruction type enhances MRI efficacy and reduces false positives.
• Early complications include seroma, hematoma, and infection.
• Late complications vary by method, with rare but serious risks like BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC.