Seat belt injuries of the breast: findings on mammography and sonography.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE.The purpose of this study was to determine the mammographic and sonographic findings of injuries of the breast caused by seat belts in automobile accidents. The imaging findings of such injuries must be differentiated from those of carcinoma, so that inappropriate treatment is avoided. MATERIALS AND METHODS

Breast Injuries in Female Collegiate Basketball, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball Athletes: Prevalence, Type and Impact on Sports Participation

“…In a study of female boxers, nine out of the 61 athletes (14.7%) had signs of fibrocystic breast tissue, two out of 61 had developed breast fibroadenomas and one female had three small cystic lesions (14). Previous reports suggest that traumatic injury to the breast often led to hematomas (3,4,8,11,12,(33)(34)(35)(36). This trauma often led to palpable nodules, months or years following the injury, that were diagnosed as lipid cysts and/or fat necrosis (3,4,9,11,36).…”

“…Previous reports suggest that traumatic injury to the breast often led to hematomas (3,4,8,11,12,(33)(34)(35)(36). This trauma often led to palpable nodules, months or years following the injury, that were diagnosed as lipid cysts and/or fat necrosis (3,4,9,11,36). Other studies revealed that breast trauma may be linked to the development of breast cancer (12,37), breast deformity (10), hematoma with extraversion (8,36), and breast asymmetries (38).…”

“…Fat necrosis is a common theme in research and case studies related to breast trauma. Following breast injury, the development of masses or nodules in the breast tissue is common, and may be a sign of fat necrosis (3,4,6,9,11,36). Fat necrosis often begins as lipid cysts and can become calcified as time progresses and are often difficult to distinguish from breast carcinoma (36).…”

“…Fat necrosis can occur following trauma to the breast, leading to persistent and sometimes painful masses in the breast (7). Breast injuries related to motor vehicle collisions and resultant blunt breast trauma with the seat belt (3)(4)(5)(8)(9)(10)(11) and breast blunt trauma as a result of a fall (11-12) have been reported; however, only one study has been found that explored female breast injury during competitive sports participation (13). For these reasons, it is important to investigate the prevalence, reporting, treatment and implications of female breast injuries in collegiate sports.…”

Fat Necrosis

“…Mammograms in women with seat belt injuries of the breast show typical fat necrosis findings in a bandlike distribution corresponding to the path of the safety belt (DiPiro et al, 1995). Fig.…”