Silicone Implants and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Study
Silicone breast implants and magnetic resonance
imaging screening for rupture:
Does the United States Food and Drug Administration
recommendation reflect an evidence based practice approach to patient care?
This is a study by PubMed - indexed for Medline
PMID: 18349629
Authors: C.M. McCarthy,
A.L. Pusic, C.L. Kerrigam
Plastic
and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Regular
magnetic resonance imaging has been recommended for the purpose of screening
for silicone implant rupture. However, when its use as a screening test is
critically examined, it appears that evidence to support its use is lacking.
For
example, there is no conclusive evidence at this time to show that using
magnetic resonance imaging screening of asymptomatic women leads to a
reduction in patient morbidity. Furthermore, based on existing data, it is
unclear whether the potential benefits of screening magnetic resonance
imaging tests outweigh the risks and potential costs for the patient.
In the
face of this uncertainty, shared medical decision making can be recommended.
For different women, underlying beliefs and values will sway decision making
in different directions. By engaging a woman in the process of shared
medical decision making, however, the plastic surgeon and her or his
patients can make a mutually agreeable choice that reflects the patient's
individual values and health preferences.