Question

Best imaging modality in patients with breast implants is:

• A. MRI scan
• B. CT scan
• C. Mammography
• D. Radionuclide scan

Hint:

No radiation, superb soft-tissue contrast, not blocked by the prosthesis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Breast implants are radiopaque and physically obscure overlying and underlying breast tissue, so they limit conventional X-ray based imaging.

Step 2: MRI gives excellent soft tissue contrast without ionising radiation and is not blocked by the implant, so it is the best modality for women with implants. It also reliably detects implant rupture.

Step 3: MRI is additionally valuable to distinguish post-treatment scar tissue from tumour recurrence in women who have had breast conservation therapy for cancer.

Step 4: Mammography is limited because the implant hides tissue, CT is not a routine breast modality, and radionuclide scanning lacks the anatomical detail required. Hence MRI scan is the answer.