Study of breast implant rupture: MRI versus surgical findings.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the role of breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the selective study breast implant integrity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the signs of breast implant rupture observed at breast MR examinations of 157 implants and determined the sensitivity and specificity of the technique in diagnosing implant rupture by comparing MR data with findings at surgical explantation.

RESULTS: The linguine and the salad-oil signs were statistically the most significant signs for diagnosing intracapsular rupture; the presence of siliconomas/seromas outside the capsule and/or in the axillary lymph nodes calls for immediate explantation.

CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with previous reports, we found a close correlation between imaging signs and findings at explantation. Breast MR imaging can be considered the gold standard in the study of breast implants.