Objective: To describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of Polyimplant Prosthesis (PIP) hydrogel breast implants.
Methods: Seven patients with surgically confirmed 8 ruptured and 6 normal PIP hydrogel implants were enrolled in our study. We reviewed retrospectively the medical records and breast ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the patients.
Results: Breast asymmetry was the most common clinical feature of PIP hydrogel implant rupture. The main radiologic finding of ruptured implants was a significant fluid collection around the implant. All 4 intracapsular ruptures showed no significant collapse of the implants despite a large accumulation of fluid surrounding the ruptured implants on ultrasonography and MRI. Three extracapsular ruptures showed variable collapse of the implants, partial collapse in 1 implant and total collapse in 2 implants. One extracapsular rupture showed enlargement of the implant. Ultrasonography and MRI revealed hydrogel extension to the muscles and chest wall in all 4 extracapsular ruptures and extensive inflammation and fibrosis in 3 extracapsular ruptures.
Conclusions: Polyimplant Prosthesis hydrogel implant rupture can be clinically silent. Knowledge of clinical and radiologic findings of the ruptured implants will be helpful in its diagnosis.