Zusammenfassung
AIM: To investigate whether there are fundamental sonographic and elastographic criteria to precisely assess different surfaces and fillings of idle breast implants and to determine their most distinctive parameters. This was a comparative study of different unused breast implant materials, neighter in animals nor in humans. This knowledge should be transferred in vivo to develop an objective ...
Zusammenfassung
AIM: To investigate whether there are fundamental sonographic and elastographic criteria to precisely assess different surfaces and fillings of idle breast implants and to determine their most distinctive parameters. This was a comparative study of different unused breast implant materials, neighter in animals nor in humans. This knowledge should be transferred in vivo to develop an objective measurement tool. METHODS: Nine idle breast implants-silicone and polyurethane (PU)-were examined in an experimental study by using ultrasound B-mode with tissue harmonic imaging (THI), speckle reduction imaging (SRI, level 0-4), cross-beam (CB, low, medium, high), photopic and the colour coded ultrasound-strain elastography with a multifrequency probe (9-15 MHz). Using a standardised protocol the implants' centre as well as the edge were analysed by one experienced examiner. Two independent readers performed analysis and evaluation. For image interpretation a score was created (score 0: inadequate image, score 5: best image quality). RESULTS: The highest score result for the centre was achieved by using ultrasound with B-mode in addition with CB level medium, SRI level 2, THI and photopic (mean: 3.22 +/- SD: 1.56), but without any statistic significant difference (t-value = 0.71). With elastography the implants' edge in general was represented without disruptive artefacts (3.89 +/- 0.60) with statistic significant difference (t-value = 5.29). Implants filled with inner cohesive silicone gel II degrees showed best imaging conditions for their centre via ultrasound (5 +/- 0) as well as for their edge via elastography (4.50 +/- 0.71). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-strain elastography and high resolution ultrasound represent a valuable measurement tool to evaluate different properties of idle breast implants. These modified ultrasound examinations could be an additional help for clinical investigations and be correlated with Baker's Classification.
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