JPRAS Open (Mar 2024)
Capsular pneumatosis: A rare radiographic sign for internal breast implant capsule violation in trauma
Abstract
Breast augmentation is considered one of the most commonly performed procedures by aesthetic plastic surgeons, representing 16 % of all global plastic surgery procedures in 2020. Given the fact that thoracic trauma comprises over 20 % of trauma worldwide, it is unsurprising that there is potential for overlap between these two patient populations. Here, we present the case of a 59-year-old patient who had undergone bilateral breast augmentation over 10 years prior to presentation. They arrived as a highest-level trauma activation after being a helmeted cyclist struck by a motor vehicle resulting in significant left-sided thoracic trauma. Following stabilization in the trauma bay, CT imaging of the thorax demonstrated multifocal left pulmonary contusions and lacerations, multiple left-sided rib fractures (ribs 2–12), a small left pneumothorax, and left-sided subcutaneous emphysema. Imaging also demonstrated the presence of bilateral breast implants with the left implant appearing irregular in shape with the retropectoral space corresponding to the implant capsule having evidence of significant free air (capsular pneumatosis) concerning for acute traumatic rupture of the capsule. While undergoing surgical stabilization of her left-sided rib fractures, one of her ribs was noted to have violated the posterior wall of the breast capsule. Upon implant removal, the implant was found to have ruptured with tears in the shell corresponding to patient's rib fractures. This case represents a rare and unexpected complication of traumatic rib fractures; mainly the traumatic rupture of a silicone breast implant, which was identified by the presence of capsular pneumatosis on CT imaging. Presence of this rare radiographic sign (capsular pneumatosis) in the setting of a patient who has undergone breast augmentation should raise concern for possible implant rupture and capsule violation, even in the absence of external signs of penetrating injury.
