Silicone deposition and adverse pulmonary events secondary to breast implant rupture

Abstract

Silicone breast implants are common but may be associated with a number of complications including implant rupture. This case reports a 38-year-old woman with bilateral breast implants who presented with breast unevenness, triggering a cascade of investigations that identified implant rupture. A computed tomography scan of the thorax showed subpleural enhancing nodules in the left lung of equal density as the implants, repeat computed tomography thorax months later showed no interval changes. In this case, extracapsular rupture causing deposits of silicone via the lymphatic system into the lungs resulted in nodules visible on imaging. Reassuring radiological findings and lack of red flag symptoms led to radiological follow-up and avoided the need for invasive procedures such as biopsy. The authors aim to remind clinicians of the importance of maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion for implant-related pathology and to add to current literature regarding this rare complication.

Keywords

• Case reports
• Breast implants
• Rare disease