[Digital full field mammography after breast augmentation].
OBJECTIVE
The use of digital full field mammography for imaging augmented breasts.


METHODS
Images of a sponge, as a tissue equivalent, partly covered with one of three different implants (silicone, silicone/saline, saline) were obtained using digital and film-screen technique. The visualisation of the sponge structure covered by the implant and next to the implant was evaluated by two radiologists. Results were compared to clinical results from 35 patients with implants.


RESULTS
Two images with different parameter settings have to be obtained to visualize the covered sponge structure and the structure around the implant with film-screen technique. Digital mammography allows assessment of both areas using one image at different window settings. The assessability of covered structures depends on the type of implant. These results are in keeping with our clinical experiences.


CONCLUSIONS
Digital mammography allows equal or better assessment of covered and non-covered tissue in augmented breasts without the need for additional exposures.
Diekmann
S
S
Universitätsklinikum Charité, CCM, Institut für Radiologie, Schumannstr. 20-21, 10117 Berlin. susanne.diekmann@charite.de
Diekmann
F
F
Hauschild
M
M
Hamm
B
B
D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D018427:Breast Implants; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000295:instrumentation; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens
Digitale Vollfeldmammographie nach Brustaugmentation.