title: Comparison of mammographic image quality in various methods of reconstructive breast surgery.
abstract: The purpose of our study was to evaluate mammographic image quality of various methods of reconstructive breast surgery with specific reference to the possibility of diagnosis of recurrent tumors. A total of 39 patients who underwent breast reconstruction following modified radical mastectomy were subject to clinical and mammographic examination. Three groups were formed: (a) autonomous tissue reconstruction (TRAM-flap; n = 9), (b) submuscular silicon gel prostheses (n = 21), and (c) supramuscular silicon gel prostheses (n = 9). Mammographic image quality of the groups was compared by two radiologists working together using a point system where five specific criteria were valued and scored. The result was tabulated into three quality levels: good, acceptable, and limited. Mammograms were assessed as good, acceptable, or limited, respectively, as follows: group I: 7 (77.8%), 1 (11.1%), 1 (11.1%); group II: 4 (19%), 11 (52.4%), 6 (28.6%); group III: 3 (33.3%), 4 (44.5%), 2 (22.2%). The TRAM-flap method of reconstruction displays a high degree of mammographic image quality and therefore is preferable with respect to early diagnosis of recurrent tumors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospital Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lindbichler
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hoflehner
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Pierer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raith
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Umschaden
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Preidler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018427:Breast Implants; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008327:Mammography / Q000592:standards*; D015411:Mastectomy, Modified Radical; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012828:Silicones
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones