Failure of an Ancient Breast Implant Can Lead to Significant Morbidity

Mohammed, Ali K; Monib, Sherif

Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most popular reconstruction option following mastectomy. However, it is not without complications, some of which can be trivial while others can lead to significant morbidity, especially in geriatric patients. Severe capsular contracture, implant failure, infection, or suspected breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma are examples of complications that will eventually require explantation in most cases. As patients with implant-based reconstruction age, the risk of complications increases, which should be considered by treating physicians. We describe the case of a 90-year-old patient who presented to our emergency department after a fall with worsening confusion, which was attributed to a 60-year-old left breast implant rupture and a peri-implant infected hematoma confirmed with CT and ultrasound.