Kanavou, T.; Mastorakos, D.P.; Mastorakos, P.D.; Faliakou, E.C.; Athanasiou, A. Imaging of the Reconstructed Breast. Diagnostics2023, 13, 3186.
Kanavou, T.; Mastorakos, D.P.; Mastorakos, P.D.; Faliakou, E.C.; Athanasiou, A. Imaging of the Reconstructed Breast. Diagnostics 2023, 13, 3186.
Kanavou, T.; Mastorakos, D.P.; Mastorakos, P.D.; Faliakou, E.C.; Athanasiou, A. Imaging of the Reconstructed Breast. Diagnostics2023, 13, 3186.
Kanavou, T.; Mastorakos, D.P.; Mastorakos, P.D.; Faliakou, E.C.; Athanasiou, A. Imaging of the Reconstructed Breast. Diagnostics 2023, 13, 3186.
Abstract
The incidence of breast cancer and therefore need for breast reconstruction is expected to increase. The many reconstructive options available and the changing aspects of the field make this a complex area of plastic surgery, requiring knowledge and expertise. Two major types of breast reconstruction can be distinguished: Breast Implants and Autologous Flaps. Both present advantages and disadvantages. Autologous fat grafting is also commonly used. MRI is the modality of choice for evaluating breast reconstruction. Knowledge of the type of reconstruction is preferable to provide the maximum of pertinent information and avoid false positives. Early complications include seroma, hematoma, and infection. Late complications depend on the type of reconstruction. Implant rupture and implant capsular contracture are frequently encountered. Depending on the implant type, specific MRI signs can be depicted. In case of myocutaneous flap, fat necrosis, fibrosis and vascular compromise represent the most common complications. Late cancer recurrence is much less common. Rare reported late complications include breast implant associated large cell anaplastic lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and, recently described and even rarer, Breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC). In this review article, the various types of breast reconstruction will be presented, with emphasis on pertinent imaging findings and complications.
Keywords
breast; autologous reconstruction; implant-based breast reconstruction; MRI of reconstructed breast; complications of reconstruction surgery; breast cancer recurrence
Subject
Medicine and Pharmacology, Other
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
