Imaging findings of implanted absorbable mesh in patients with breast partial resection.
OBJECTIVE
The author presents imaging findings of patients that underwent partial resection of the breast followed by absorbable mesh implantation.


METHODS
Ultrasonographic (n = 18) and mammographic (n = 11) images of patients that had undergone absorbable mesh implantation after breast partial resection were reviewed retrospectively. Sequential changes of the lesions were analyzed in follow-up ultrasonographic examinations, focusing on the change of the size and pattern of the lesion. The presence of a mass, asymmetry, focal asymmetry, architectural distortion, and calcification were evaluated by mammography. Pathologic findings of the implanted mesh in available cases were analyzed.


RESULTS
Ultrasonograms revealed a well-encapsulated anechoic lesion with (pattern 1, n = 11) or without (pattern 2, n = 5) internal isoechoic nodular portion, and a hyperechoic mass-like lesion without anechoic portion (pattern 3, n = 2). The mean length of the longest diameter decreased gradually as determined in follow-up examinations (3 months, 6.12 +/- 2.599cm; 6 months, 5.08 +/- 2.105cm; 12 months, 3.26 +/- 2.206cm). In mammograms, a mass (n = 4) was noted at the surgical site and focal asymmetry, overlapping with the postoperative change, was seen in the remaining seven cases. Pathologic findings of two cases revealed foreign body reaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonography of the patients that underwent breast partial resection followed by absorbable mesh implantation showed a well-encapsulated cyst at the surgical site that gradually decreased in follow-up examinations. Adjunctive ultrasonography combined with mammography would be recommended in postoperative follow-up examinations.
Kwag
Hyon Joo
HJ
Department of Radiology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. radiokwag@hanmail.net
D000042:Absorption; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000378:metabolism*; D001940:Breast / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D018427:Breast Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary
D001672:Biocompatible Materials