Magnetic Resonance Imaging Surveillance Study of Silicone Implant-based Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the results of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surveillance of implant-based breast reconstruction in patients with breast cancer.

Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction and MRI surveillance by a single surgeon from March 2011 to December 2018, in a single center. All patients were informed about the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration for MRI surveillance, and they choose to undergo MRI 3 years after surgery.

Results: The compliance rate for MRI surveillance was 56.5% (169/299). MRI surveillance was performed at a mean of 45.8 (4.04 years) ± 11.5 months after surgery. One patient (0.6%) showed an abnormal finding of an intracapsular rupture of the silicone implant.

Conclusions: MRI surveillance for implant rupture in implant-based breast reconstruction showed a low incidence of silent implant rupture (0.6%), whereas the compliance of MRI was relatively high (56.5%). These results raise questions about whether taking an MRI in 3-4 years is suitable for imaging surveillance of breast silicone implants. Screening recommendations should be more evidence-based, and more studies are needed to prevent unnecessary screening and patient burden.