Capsular synovial metaplasia mimicking silicone leak of a breast prosthesis: a case report
2008
Capsular Synovial Metaplasia in Breast Implants
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Krishnanandan Sarah, Abbassian Ali, Sharma Anup K, Cunnick Giles
Hypothesis
What is the clinical significance of synovial metaplasia around breast implants?
Conclusion
Capsular synovial metaplasia should be ruled out before the removal of breast implants where a leak is suspected.
Supporting Evidence
- Histological examination revealed that the fluid was synovial fluid.
- The capsule had undergone synovial metaplasia, which explained the presence of synovial fluid around the left implant.
- Synovial metaplasia was first described following studies on implanted silicone joints in chickens.
- One study showed that the incidence of synovial metaplasia was 40% in patients with breast prostheses.
Takeaway
Sometimes, fluid around breast implants can look like a leak, but it might just be a harmless condition called synovial metaplasia.
Methodology
Histological assessment of the fluid and capsule around the breast implant.
Limitations
The clinical significance of synovial metaplasia is uncertain.
Participant Demographics
A 25-year-old Caucasian woman.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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