A Preliminary Report on the Clinical Experience with AlloDerm in Breast Reconstruction and its Radiologic Appearance

Abstract

Human acellular tissue matrix (AlloDerm) use in breast reconstruction has become popular. Traditionally used for prosthesis coverage, it is also used in our practice as a filler for lumpectomy defects and a contouring device. However, no report presently exists that describes its appearance on oncologic surveillance studies. We performed a retrospective review of all charts of patients having undergone cancer-related breast reconstruction using AlloDerm as a filler at a single institution between 2005 and 2009. Postoperative mammograms and dynamic contrast enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed with a dedicated breast imager. Sixteen women underwent surgery involving placement of an AlloDerm roll in the breast. Postoperative films were unavailable for two of them. Of the remaining 14 patients, nine had postoperative mammograms only, three had postoperative dynamic contrast enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging only, and two patients had both. In all cases, evaluation of the postoperative images was not affected by the presence of AlloDerm. In our short-term, retrospective experience, we find that a thorough radiographic evaluation of the breast tissue remains possible when AlloDerm rolls are used in reconstruction.

Imaging features of volume replacement using an acellular dermal matrix in oncoplastic breast conserving surgery: A case report

“…ADMs are increasingly used as fillers in breast conserving surgery. Recent studies have reported that volume replacement with ADMs was a safe and cosmetically beneficial procedure [4] , [5] , [6] .…”

“…They may appear as iso-to-hypoechoic masses with a folded, sheet-like structure with posterior acoustic shadowing, and with or without color flow [7 , 8] . On MRI, an ADM shows iso-signal intensity to glandular tissue in a non fat-satured T1-weighted image, and low signal intensity in a fat-saturated T2-weighted image with none to mild dynamic contrast enhancement [4 , 8 , 9] .…”

“…In patients with small- to medium-sized breasts who undergo large-volume resection breast conserving surgeries, the volume replacement technique provides better esthetic results [3] . Several studies have reported that an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) can be used as volume replacement to fill the defect created after a lumpectomy [4] , [5] , [6] . Herein, we present a case of breast conserving surgery with volume replacement using an ADM.…”

Acellular Dermal Matrix Mimicking a New Retroareolar Mass After Central Pillar Neonipple Reconstruction

“…It is processed to remove antigenic epitopes from cells and provide a biologic scaffold to enhance host cell migration, cell regeneration, and angiogenesis. [1][2][3] Acellular dermal matrix was first described for use in breast reconstruction by Breuing and Warren 4 in 2005. In the same year, it was also proposed as an adjunct in neonipple reconstruction for the purposes of improving support and projection.…”

“…Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is an increasingly popular alloplastic cadaveric dermis used in various surgical interventions to enhance postmastectomy reconstruction. It is processed to remove antigenic epitopes from cells and provide a biologic scaffold to enhance host cell migration, cell regeneration, and angiogenesis 1–3 . Acellular dermal matrix was first described for use in breast reconstruction by Breuing and Warren 4 in 2005.…”