MR imaging of silicone breast implants: comparison of different coil arrays.

Abstract

To determine the optimal coil and patient position for magnetic resonance imaging of patients with silicone breast implants, images obtained with body, circular surface, flexible, single shoulder, and dual shoulder coils in various numbers of patients were compared with regard to signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), decay of signal intensity, resolution, and key area coverage. Images obtained with the dual shoulder coil and prone position, with a customized positioning device, gave the best S/N, resolution, and coverage of the breasts and axillae.