False-positive radiographic diagnosis of breast implant rupture because of breast abscess.

Abstract

A case of a periprosthetic abscess simulating breast implant rupture is presented. Both clinical findings and film-screen mammography suggested extravasation of a radiodense material adjacent to an implant. Ultrasonography was thought to confirm the extraluminal silicone. However, at surgery the mass was found to be a breast abscess that had herniated through the capsule. The double-lumen implant outer saline-filled chamber had deflated, but the silicone-containing inner chamber was intact. Magnetic resonance imaging would have distinguished between abscess and silicone.