Distant migration of gel filler: imaging findings following breast augmentation

Abstract

Recently, many attempts have been made to use injectable materials in the subcutaneous fat layer anywhere in the body, including the breast and face, for cosmetic purposes. A 56-year-old woman presented with multiple palpable lumps without tenderness or skin color changes on the anterior and lateral chest and the abdominal walls. Magnetic resonance imaging showed fluid-like collections without surrounding soft tissue inflammatory changes in the chest wall, abdominal wall, and deeper within the abdomen. The lesions penetrated the peritoneum and were observed adjacent to the liver dome. Ultrasonography also showed hypoechogenicity suggestive of fluid collection in the left axilla and trunk. The differential diagnosis based on radiologic findings included parasite manifestation, non-specific inflammatory conditions, and chronic granulomatous infections such as tuberculosis or non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. However, these conditions are usually accompanied by changes in the adjacent subcutaneous fat layers, but our patient did not show any other abnormalities in the adjacent soft tissue. After biopsy and aspiration analysis, the patient was found to have a history of filler injection for breast augmentation approximately 17 years prior. It is often difficult to make a differential diagnosis without detailed knowledge of the patient’s medical history. Here we describe a rare case of distant migration of the filler to the axilla, chest wall, abdominal wall, and peritoneum following breast augmentation with filler injection. Knowledge of the radiologic characteristics and migration patterns of gel fillers and their related complications is useful for making an accurate diagnosis.