Magnetic resonance imaging scans using predefined parameters were performed in patients with silicone breast implants. The same group of patients was submitted to magnetic resonance imaging scans using surface breast coils and body coils, and the results were compared. A total of 43 single-lumen silicone-gel breast implants in 24 patients were examined. The signal-to-noise ratio was greater for the breast coil than for the body coil. Radial folds were identified with equal resolution by both coils in almost 82% of the cases on the right side and 95% on the left side. In about 5% of the cases the folds were seen exclusively when the breast coil was used. The "linguine sign" was identified almost equally with both methods. In just one case the "linguine sign" was observed only by using the breast coil. Identification of bulging or irregularity of contours were concordant using both techniques. We concluded that although magnetic resonance imaging quality is better using a dedicated breast coil, silicone breast implants can be assessed with the same diagnostic accuracy using a body coil.
Body coil; Dedicated breast coil; Magnetic resonance imaging; Breast implants; Silicone
