Radiology Resident Mount Sinai Medical Center Miami Lakes, Florida
Background: Breast imagers encounter a wide array of breast implant types and breast augmentation techniques (eg., autologous fat grafting and hyaluronic acid injections). Knowing the normal and expected imaging features of such procedures can help avoid interpretation pitfalls. Thus, having a manufacture specific MRI atlas could aid in interpretation, but this is currently unavailable. This Atlas of Breast Augmentation Techniques is based on the imaging characteristics, including implant composition (silicon vs saline; textured vs non-textured; and single vs double lumen) and implant configuration (shape and style).
axial T1silicone suppression, STIR non fat sat and sag T1 fat sat
Learning Objectives: -Identify different augmentation techniques and implants, utilizing MRI. -Differentiating normal and expected imaging characteristics of breast augmentation techniques from pathologic findings. -Identify manufacturer-based macroscopic characteristics and their corresponding MRI signal characteristics on different imaging sequences.
Abstract Content/Results: MRI imaging of the different manufacturer implants was performed. A pictorial reference of different breast implant compositions and manufacturers was made, utilizing a Siemens Skyra 3T magnet, via a bioequivalent model. Images were acquired in axial STIR, T1 silicone suppression, and sagittal T1 FS. A local database was accessed for images of additional breast augmentation techniques.
Conclusion: A pictorial review of textured, smooth, saline, and silicone breast implants was performed, with categorization according to manufacturer. Additionally, the normal imaging appearance of varying augmentation techniques, with associated BI-RADs categories, were also explored, and analyzed in a case-based format. An easily accessible resource, coupled with understanding of the expected post-procedural findings, is key for the practicing breast imager.
