Characteristics of magnetic resonance sequences used for imaging silicone gel, saline, and gel-saline implants at low field strengths.
OBJECTIVE
Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of breast implants is described, with emphasis on the capabilities provided by different imaging sequences.


METHODS
Open architecture MR images using a .064-T permanent magnet and three-dimensional Fourier transform and inversion recovery sequences were obtained. A breast coil was designed and built for this project. Symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with silicone, saline-silicone and saline implants, and phantoms were part of this study. Phase images were used to differentiate protons in silicone, water, and fat.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-field MRI permitted differentiation of silicone, water, and fat. Implant anatomy and surrounding pathology could be imaged and identified.
Department of Radiology, University of California, San Francisco.
S
S
Frankel
K
K
Occhipinti
L
L
Kaufman
D
D
Kramer
J
J
Carlson
M
M
Mineyev
R
R
Friedenthal
D000328:Adult; D001940:Breast / Q000473:pathology; D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D018427:Breast Implants / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008961:Models, Structural; D012828:Silicones; D012965:Sodium Chloride
D005782:Gels; D012828:Silicones; D012965:Sodium Chloride