Comparative Study of Breast Implant Rupture Using Mammography, Sonography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Correlation with Surgical Findings

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of mammography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in the detection of breast implant rupture and to make a correlation with findings at explantation. The study population consisted of 63 women with 82 implants, undergoing surgical explantation. Implant rupture status was blindly determined obtaining diagnosis of rupture, possible rupture, or intact implant. Strictly predetermined rupture criteria were applied and compared with findings at surgery, which were considered the gold standard. False-positives and false-negatives were retrospectively evaluated to identify pitfalls in the investigation. All associations between imaging signs and surgical findings were evaluated by using chi-square test. The respective sensitivity and specificity of investigations are reported. Our experience suggests that MRI is the more accurate method for identification of breast implant rupture, even if it should be performed following the diagnostic algorithm proposed.