Clinical findings in symptomatic women with silicone breast implants

We report the clinical findings in a series of women with silicone breast implants (SBI) and rheumatic disease. These findings represent the first 50 patients seen at the University of South Florida Medical Clinic between March 1977 and January 1991. The average age was 44 years with a range of 30 to 66 years. The most common clinical findings included chronic fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, joint swelling, and lymphadenopathy. Seventeen women with an average Steinbrocker functional class of 1.8 decided not to remove the implants. An average of 14 months later, follow-up showed no change in their condition. Thirty-three women, with an average functional class of 2.5 underwent implant removal. Twelve of the 33 had documented implant rupture. During an average follow-up of 22 months after implant removal, 24 women improved clinically, 8 did not change, and 1 worsened. We believe this series supports a relationship between silicone breast implants and rheumatic disease signs and symptoms. Although this report is not a definitive epidemiological study, findings suggest that physicians should inform women about the possible benefit of implant removal.