Wire fragments after needle localization.
OBJECTIVE
Scant information exists on the natural history of a retained wire fragment after needle localization for breast biopsy. We review 10 cases in which wire fragments were present 1.5-11 years after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Only one patient had symptoms attributed to the retained wire. Position of the wire fragment in the breast remained stable over time. Our management recommendations include early mammographic follow-up at 3 and 6 months to reveal stability in asymptomatic patients and excision of fragments in symptomatic patients.
Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield 62794, USA.
J S
JS
Montrey
J A
JA
Levy
R J
RJ
Brenner
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001940:Breast; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects*