Sonographic Confirmation of Intracapsular and Extracapsular Breast Implant Rupture

Breast implant ruptures are a recognized complication associated with both cosmetic augmentation and breast reconstruction. After a breast implant has been placed, a fibrous capsule forms around the shell of the implant. If the shell of the implant ruptures but the fibrous capsule remains intact, the rupture is known as intracapsular. If both the implant shell and fibrous capsule have ruptured, the implant content is freely extravasated into surrounding tissue, and the rupture is defined as extracapsular. This case study reviews a silicone implant rupture. Following an initial routine mammogram, bilateral extracapsular rupture was suspected and subsequently confirmed sonographically. Sonography was able to target focal areas of extracapsular silicone implant rupture as well as intracapsular rupture. The use of both diagnostic imaging modalities allowed for a quick, accurate diagnosis, and helped to establish the next step in appropriate treatment for the patient.