Ultrasound mammography for the augmented breast.

Ultrasound examinations were performed on 25 women with augmented breasts using whole-breast water-path scanning. In these patients, ultrasound imaged carcinoma, benign lesions, and fibrous capsule formation; these were confirmed by surgery. In addition, it was noted that certain prostheses appeared to be displaced posteriorly onto the chest wall and some prostheses had internal echoes. To evaluate these findings, in vitro B-scanning was performed on three different commonly used mammary prostheses: the silicone gel, the saline inflatable, and the double-membrane gel-inflatable type. Ultrasound study of the augmented breast allowed evaluation of breast abnormalities in the parenchyma overlying the prostheses and also permitted evaluation of the complications unique to the implantation procedure: abscess formation, displacement of the implants, fibrous capsule formation, and wrinkles or cracks within the implant.