Magnetic resonance imaging of in situ mammary prostheses

A study was conducted at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center to examine the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting rupture or deflation of in situ mammary prostheses. Thirty-three women with 59 prostheses were included in the study. Fifteen of the 33 patients had undergone surgery for removal or replacement of 21 implants. Positive findings for rupture were accurately predicted for 15 implants and confirmed at surgery. Negative findings for rupture were accurately predicted in the remaining 6 implants and confirmed at surgery. Although it is a more costly procedure than either mammography or ultrasonography, we believe that magnetic resonance imaging is also more accurate in detecting damaged implants, particularly when they are contained within an intact capsule or when the implants are stacked. Unlike mammography, magnetic resonance imaging requires no ionizing radiation or breast compression. Magnetic resonance imaging of the in situ breast prosthesis may be a useful adjunct when other modalities yield inconclusive results or when a contained rupture is suspected.