Morphea after Silicone Implants.

Dear Editor, Silicone is a hydrophobic polymer containing silicon. Silicon is an essential compound of soft tissue proteoglycans. Reports about morphea and other autoimmune connective tissue disorders in association with silicone implants have stimulated the discussion of a possible link between the two, such as immunological cross-reactivity of silicone and connective tissue components (1). A number of case reports suggested a possible link to adjuvant autoimmune syndrome (2), morphea of the breast (3-5), and systemic scleroderma (6-8), among others. One study measured tissue silicon levels in women with silicone breast implants with and without symptoms or signs and compared these data with women who had either a saline breast implant or no augmentation at all. The authors detected higher levels of silicon in capsular tissue of patients with silicone implants, independent of the presence of any symptoms or signs (9,10). The conclusion was that there is no evidence of an association between silicone implants and autoimmune connective tissue disorders. Three other clinical trials investigating the role of silicone implants and induction of autoimmune connective tissue disorders also failed to find an association between the two (11-13). We report the case of a 32-year-old female patient who developed morphea of the breasts after silicone implants for augmentation after risk-reducing mastectomy for Cowden syndrome. She presented with pronounced capsule fibrosis of the implants. With a delay of several years, an ill-defined slightly hyperpigmented area developed on the breasts and ventral chest (Figure 1). The lesion was analyzed by dermoscopy (Figure 2), which found mild erythema, reduced vessels, and white areas (ill-defined dull white globules, fibrotic beams). A skin biopsy was taken. Histopathological analysis showed a normal epidermal layer, minor papillary edema, and some vascular ectasias in the papillary dermis and upper corium (Figure 3). There was mild perivascular inflammatory infiltrate of the deep dermal vascular plexus, composed of lymphocytes and monocytes with some plasma cells (Figure 4). Elastic fibers seemed unaffected (Figure 5). The diagnosis of an early morphea of the edematous-inflammatory stage was established. Treatment with topical corticosteroids and UVB-311 nm irradiation was recommended. Morphea of the breasts is an uncommon disorder. It may occur after radiotherapy of breast cancer, after silicone augmentation, or without any known cause (14-16). A meta-analysis found an increased risk for morphea/scleroderma, with a relative risk between 1.30 to 2.13 and an odds ratio for case control studies of 1.68 (17). The US FDA Breast Implant Approval Study evaluated almost 100,000 female patients with breast implants. An increased risk of Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis was reported (18). We could not find any reference of an association between capsular fibrosis and morphea of the breast, although both represent fibrotic disorders. In conclusion, it seems possible that there is a link between morphea of the breast and chest as described herein and silicone breast implants, which is supported by epidemiological studies. However, a direct causal relationship is hard to demonstrate with a single case.

Silicone prosthetics and anti-thyroid autoimmunity.

INTRODUCTION: In esthetic surgery, the use of silicone implants is a topic of hot discussion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of 119 esthetic surgical interventions on the mammary gland was performed. A study of the immune and endocrine parameters after mammoplasty was carried out. RESULTS: The phenomenon of an increase in the levels of autoantibodies to the TSH receptor was revealed. The phenomenon of pre-operative growth of prolactin and TSH levels has been confirmed. An increase in thyroid autoimmunity after silicone mammoplasty is interpreted as a result of a silicone adjuvant action. An increase in the incidence of ASIA syndrome in patients who underwent breast surgery was registered. However, it was observed in both patients with silicone and non-silicone breast surgeries and therefore could not be solely explained by the use of silicone. Within 12 months following silicone mammoplasty, the patients with an increase of anti-TSH receptor autoimmunity nevertheless did not show any clinical and laboratory signs of overt thyroid disease, thus staying in a pre-nosological state. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on these results, we recommend the following for esthetic surgery: (a) all patients planned for silicone implant surgery should be examined for autoantibodies to the TSH receptor and (b) patients who have undergone breast endoprosthesis, starting 6 months after the operation, need long-term follow-up for thyroid status with mandatory testing for the level of these autoantibodies.

Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA), medical treatment of severe systemic compromise: case report.

Case description: A 42-year-old woman with severe pulmonary and mediastinal inflammatory involvement, secondary to infiltration of a silicone-related allogenic material with systemic migration. Clinical findings: The patient developed esophageal and bronchial stenosis, recurrent infections, malnutrition, and respiratory deterioration, making surgical removal of the allogenic material impossible. Treatment and outcome: Clinical and radiological improvement was achieved after treatment with multiple intravenous and oral immunomodulators. Clinical relevance: Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) is a heterogeneous disease resulting from exposure to allogenic substances in a susceptible subject. These substances cause autoimmune or autoinflammatory phenomena. Since ASIA was described ten years ago, its diagnostic criteria are still under discussion, with an uncertain prognosis. The ideal therapy is based on eliminating the causative substance, but this is not always possible. Therefore, it is necessary to start an immunomodulatory treatment, using it in this patient, a scheme that had not been previously reported in the literature.

Descripción del caso: Mujer de 42 años con compromiso inflamatorio pulmonar y mediastinal severo, secundario a infiltración de un material alogénico relacionado con la silicona con migración sistémica. Hallazgos clínicos: La paciente desarrolló estenosis esofágica y bronquial, infecciones recurrentes, desnutrición y deterioro respiratorio, imposibilitando la extracción quirúrgica del material alogénico. Tratamiento y resultado: Mejoría clínica y radiológica lograda tras un tratamiento con múltiples inmunomoduladores intravenosos y orales. Relevancia clínica: El síndrome autoinmune / inflamatorio inducido por adyuvantes (ASIA) es una enfermedad heterogénea que resulta de la exposición a sustancias alógenas en un sujeto con susceptibilidad genética. Estas sustancias inducen fenómenos autoinmunitarios o autoinflamatorios. Desde que ASIA fue descrito hace 10 años, sus criterios diagnósticos continúan en discusión, con un pronóstico incierto. El tratamiento idóneo se basa en eliminar la sustancia causante, pero no siempre es posible, por lo cual se hace necesario iniciar un tratamiento inmunomodulador, empleándose en esta paciente un esquema que no había sido reportado previamente en la literatura.

[Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants. Case report]. / Síndrome autoinmunitario/inflamatorio inducido por adyuvantes. Reporte de caso.

Background: The indiscriminate application of substances for aesthetic purposes, such as silicone in breast implants, leads to the production of common local signs such as inflammation, skin irregularities, edema, erythema, vascular neoformations, and ulcers, which can evolve into general symptoms such as fever, asthenia, weakness, arthralgia or activate the immune system abnormally, causing the appearance of autoimmune diseases. This set of signs and symptoms is called adjuvant-induced autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome. Clinical case: We present the case of a 50-year-old woman with a history of silicone-based breast implants who spontaneously developed a hemorrhagic coagulopathy, type A acquired hemophilia was documented, that is, autoantibodies against coagulation factor VIII. Thanks to the work of a multidisciplinary team, it is possible to successfully diagnose and treat the patient with bridging agents, implant removal and management of associated symptoms. Conclusion: the importance of knowing the pathology is recognized, which, although it is rare, when it occurs has a high mortality rate if it is not diagnosed and treated on time.

Introducción: la aplicación de sustancias con fines estéticos de forma indiscriminada, como es el caso de la silicona en los implantes mamarios, llevan a la producción de signos locales comunes como: inflamación, irregularidad en la piel, edema, eritema, neoformaciones vasculares y úlceras, que pueden evolucionar a síntomas generales como la fiebre, astenia, adinamia, artralgias o a activar, de manera anómala, el sistema inmunitario, causando la aparición de enfermedades autoinmunitarias. A este conjunto de signos y síntomas se le denomina síndrome autoinmunitario/inflamatorio inducido por adyuvantes. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de una mujer de 50 años con antecedente de implantes mamarios a base de silicona que desarrolla, de manera espontánea, una coagulopatía hemorrágica, se documenta hemofilia tipo A adquirida, es decir, autoanticuerpos contra el factor VIII de la coagulación. Gracias al trabajo de un equipo multidisciplinario se consigue diagnosticar y tratar de manera exitosa a la paciente con agentes de puente, remoción de los implantes y manejo de los síntomas asociados. Conclusión: se reconoce la importancia de conocer la patología que, si bien es rara, cuando se presenta tiene alta tasa de mortalidad si no se diagnostica y trata a tiempo.

ASIA syndrome with severe lupus - A case report.

The autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA), also known as Shoenfeld's syndrome, encompasses several autoimmune conditions/phenomena that are triggered following the exposure to materials with an adjuvant activity known to augment an antigen-driven immune response. In some inherently vulnerable patients, they act as second hits to trigger or unmask an autoimmune disorder which ranges from generalized non-specific constitutional symptoms, and autoantibody production, to a new onset, of a fully-fledged autoimmune syndrome. In this manuscript, we present a case of a 37-year-old lady who developed systemic lupus erythematosus characterized by mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, hematological neurological, and renal involvement a few years after silicone breast implants.

Autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants: a focus on silicone.

Autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) was first described in 2011 to cover disorders characterized by dysregulation of the immune system after exposure to an adjuvant. In the present review, the authors focus on silicone-induced ASIA. In the last two decades, there has been worldwide increase in the use of silicone breast implant (SBI) as an aesthetic procedure, raising concerns for possible effects on the immune system, especially in people who already have previous immune dysregulation. The authors did a critical review of the most important articles referring to silicone-induced ASIA, including most recent studies regarding physiopathologic mechanism. Despite large-scale epidemiological studies conducted to assess the association between SBI and autoimmune/rheumatic disorders, the results remain inconclusive, and the debate over the safety of SBIs remains heated. The explantation of silicone breast has been indicated for silicone-induced ASIA with improvement of unspecific symptoms in the majority of patients; however, the outcome seems different in patients with definitive autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD). There is no prospective study evaluating the risk of flares after SBI in patients who already have an AIRD. Therefore, based on the literature, we cannot contraindicate the procedure; however, we need to advertise about the risk of ASIA to the patients with AIRD. Long-term safety and implant-related outcomes should be discussed with these patients, considering each case individually, assessing genetic and environmental factors, and determining if the autoimmune disease is in remission or not, for shared decision among patient and the physician.

Penile injection of aedile silicone: A dangerous shortcut.

INTRODUCTION: The size of penis can cause concern in patients, even if the organ is clinically normal. Additionally, the cost of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (iPDE5) and long waiting lists to access penile prosthesis placement can lead patients to resort to non-medical and potentially dangerous alternatives. One of these dangerous alternatives is the injection of building silicone at the level of the subcutis of the penis or the corpora cavernosa causing the formation of a granuloma that increases the girth and consistency of the penis. CASE REPORT: The article describes the case of a 43-year-old patient who self-injected aedile silicone at the level of his penis in an attempt to achieve greater penile size and greater rigidity. The patient reported that he could not economically afford the iPDE5.The persistence of severe pain in the penis forced the patient to go to a urological examination. The patient subsequently underwent the penile granuloma exeresis procedure and skin reconstruction with scrotal flap. CONCLUSION: The pursuit of sexual well-being can lead some patients to rely on unconventional and potentially harmful techniques. The role of the andrologist and of the scientific society should be to dissuade the patient from using these dangerous methods and to provide valid alternatives accessible to the patient. The economic difficulty in purchasing drugs that facilitate erection or the long waiting lists for the placement of penile prostheses can favor dangerous methods such as penile injection of silicon. There is therefore a clear need to facilitate access to drugs and surgical techniques that favor the patient's sexual well-being.

Randomized Pilot Study: Anal Inserts Versus Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Fecal Incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Anal inserts and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation may be offered to those with fecal incontinence in whom other conservative treatments have failed. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare anal inserts and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. DESIGN: This was an investigator-blinded randomized pilot study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a large tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Adult patients with passive or mixed fecal incontinence were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either the anal inserts or weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for a period of 3 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was a 50% reduction of episodes of fecal incontinence per week as calculated by a prospectively completed 2-week bowel diary. Secondary end points were St Mark's incontinence score, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Bowel scores (for bowel pattern, bowel control, and quality of life), use of antidiarrheal agents, estimates of comfort and acceptability. RESULTS: Fifty patients were recruited: 25 were randomly assigned to anal inserts and 25 were randomly assigned to percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. All completed treatment. A significant improvement of scores in the 2-week bowel diary, the St Mark's scores and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Bowel scores, was seen in both groups after 3 months of treatment. A reduction of ≥50% fecal incontinence episodes was reached by 76% (n = 19/25) by the anal insert group, compared with 48% (n = 12/25) of those in the percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation group (p = 0.04). The St Mark's fecal incontinence scores and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Bowel scores for bowel pattern, bowel control, and quality of life (p = 0.01) suggest similar improvement for each group. LIMITATIONS: A realistic sample size calculation could not be performed because of the paucity of objective prospective studies assessing the effect of the insert device and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Both anal insert and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation improved the symptoms of fecal incontinence after 3 months of treatment. The insert device appeared to be more effective than percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation. Larger studies are needed to investigate this further. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B460. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT04273009. ESTUDIO PILOTO ALEATORIZADO DE INSERCIONES ANALES CONTRA LA ESTIMULACIN PERCUTNEA DEL NERVIO TIBIAL EN PACIENTES CON INCONTINENCIA FECAL: ANTECEDENTES:Las inserciones anales y la estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial (PTNS) se pueden ofrecer a las personas con incontinencia fecal que han fallado en otros tratamientos conservadores.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue comparar inserciones anales y estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio piloto aleatorio ciego para investigadores.AJUSTE:El estudio se realizó en un hospital de atención terciaria.PACIENTES:Se reclutaron pacientes adultos con incontinencia fecal pasiva o mixta.INTERVENCIONES:Los pacientes fueron asignados al azar para recibir inserciones anales o estimulación del nervio tibial percutáneo semanal durante un período de tres meses.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El principal resultado fue una reducción del 50% de los episodios de incontinencia fecal por semana, según lo calculado mediante un diario intestinal de dos semanas completado de forma prospectiva. Los criterios de valoración secundarios fueron la puntuación de incontinencia de St Mark, las puntuaciones del ICIQ-B (para patrón intestinal, control intestinal y calidad de vida), uso de agentes antidiarreicos, estimaciones de comodidad y aceptabilidad.RESULTADOS:Se reclutaron 50 pacientes: 25 fueron asignados al azar a inserciones anales y 25 a PTNS. Todo el tratamiento completado. Se observó una mejora significativa de las puntuaciones en el diario intestinal de dos semanas, la puntuación de St Mark y la puntuación del ICIQ-B en ambos grupos después de 3 meses de tratamiento. Se alcanzó una reducción de ≥ 50% de los episodios de incontinencia fecal en un 76% (n = 19/25) en el grupo de inserción anal, en comparación con el 48% (n = 12/25) de los del grupo de estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial (p = 0,04). Las puntuaciones de incontinencia fecal de St Mark, las puntuaciones del ICIQ-B para el patrón intestinal, el control intestinal y la calidad de vida (p = 0,01) sugieren una mejora similar para cada grupo.LIMITACIONES:No se pudo realizar un cálculo realista del tamaño de la muestra debido a la escasez de estudios prospectivos objetivos que evaluaran el efecto del dispositivo de inserción y la estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial.CONCLUSIONES:Tanto la inserción anal como la estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial mejoraron los síntomas de incontinencia fecal después de 3 meses de tratamiento. El dispositivo de inserción parecia ser más efectivo que la estimulación percutánea del nervio tibial. Se necesitan estudios más amplios para investigar esto más a fondo. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B460.NÚMERO DE REGISTRO DE PRUEBA:Clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT04273009.

Classical Examples of the Concept of the ASIA Syndrome.

Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) was first introduced in 2011 by Shoenfeld et al. and encompasses a cluster of related immune mediated diseases, which develop among genetically prone individuals as a result of adjuvant agent exposure. Since the recognition of ASIA syndrome, more than 4400 documented cases have been reported so far, illustrated by heterogeneous clinical manifestations and severity. In this review, five enigmatic conditions, including sarcoidosis, Sjögren's syndrome, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, silicone implant incompatibility syndrome (SIIS), and immune-related adverse events (irAEs), are defined as classical examples of ASIA. Certainly, these disorders have been described after an adjuvant stimulus (silicone implantation, drugs, infections, metals, vaccines, etc.) among genetically predisposed individuals (mainly the HLA-DRB1 and PTPN22 gene), which induce an hyperstimulation of the immune system resulting in the production of autoantibodies, eventually leading to the development of autoimmune diseases. Circulating autonomic autoantibodies in the sera of patients with silicone breast implants, as well as anatomopathological aspects of small fiber neuropathy in their skin biopsies have been recently described. To our knowledge, these novel insights serve as a common explanation to the non-specific clinical manifestations reported in patients with ASIA, leading to the redefinition of the ASIA syndrome diagnostic criteria.

Breast Prosthesis Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Management Algorithm.

The cosmetic use of devices like prostheses to increase breast volume is nothing new. It is calculated that millions of people have been exposed to silicone in several ways, including breast implants, and since 1964 there has been uncertainty regarding their safety. We did not find in the literature any studies that reported the appearance of a specific immunological disease in patients with silicone breast implants. Furthermore, there are also neither case-control studies nor reports of patients proving that symptoms of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) occurred after the placement of silicone implants nor that the patients had pre-existing symptoms. Several studies link silicone to allergic reactions and the development of systemic autoimmune diseases; however, other studies deny this association. There are currently several theories about the effect of silicone on the body. One theory with greater acceptance proposes an adjuvant effect of silicone on the development of autoimmune diseases in genetically predisposed patients. However, the variety of symptoms occurring in patients who develop these pathologies leads to doubts about the relationship between the adjuvant effects of a silicone prosthesis may have with a specific autoimmune disease or a mix of these diseases. The lack of consensus on this topic obliges a full review of what has already been reported in the literature to integrate the knowledge and propose a focus for new research on this matter. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Comparison of early versus standard timing for silicone stent removal following External Dacrocystorhinostomy under local anaesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: The first line treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is external dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR). Following DCR, patients are required to return to Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) six weeks postoperatively for the removal of a silicone stent. As the majority of patients travel large distances at significant cost to reach TIO, most often patients remain within Kathmandu during this six weeks interval. This places a large financial burden on patients. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was designed to compare patient outcomes after early (two weeks postoperatively) versus standard (six weeks postoperatively) removal of silicone stents. 50 selected patients were randomized into two equal groups. RESULTS: At the time of publication, 31 patients (14 in group A and 17 in group B) had completed three months follow up. A success rate of 92.9% was noted in Group A and a success rate of 94.1% observed in group B. No significant difference was found between the two groups for success rate and rate of complications. CONCLUSION: Early tube removal post DCR appears to cause no significant difference in outcome or complication rates compared to standard tube removal.

[Acute Respiratory Failure after Silicone Injection]. / Akutes respiratorisches Versagen durch Silikon-Injektion.

A 35-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with complains of fever, dyspnea and petechiae. The chest X-ray revealed signs of bipulmonary infiltration. 5 days ago, an illicit silicone injection was performed into the penis for cosmetic reasons. Due to progressive respiratory failure the patient required mechanical ventilation. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Silicone pneumonitis with a severe acute respiratory failure based on silicone embolization syndrome was diagnosed. Prone positioning, lung-protective ventilation and corticosteroid therapy were initiated. The patient was discharged from ICU after 19 days. In an outpatient follow up, lung function was fully recovered. CONCLUSION: Silicone pneumonitis should be considered in case of fever, respiratory distress and alveolar hemorrhage linked to cosmetic procedures. High dose corticosteroid therapy and lung-protective ventilation strategies may help for complete recovery of lung function.

Association of silicone breast implants and acute renal allograft rejection.

Silicone may, like any other adjuvant, induce an inflammatory reaction and diseases. There is no data about its use in renal transplant recipients. Increased immunogenicity of silicon may manifest by activation of both the innate and the adaptive immune system cells what promotes a chronic pro-inflammatory response. Dendritic cells, macrophages, fibroblasts and T-cells have all been found at the capsule/silicone implant contact zone. Additionally, silicon may induce mononuclear cells to secrete proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α. Herein, we present two patients who developed acute rejection after breast augmentation and reconstruction with silicone-gel implants. By influencing the immunological and inflammatory response, silicone-gel may be involved in promotion of acute allograft rejection in renal transplant recipients. Further studies are needed to prove our hypothesis.

Preventive role of superoxide dismutase on radiation-induced periprosthetic capsule development.

BACKGROUND: Capsule fibrosis is the most important and annoying complication of breast implant surgery. Radiotherapy (RT) used in the local treatment of breast cancer has an increasing effect on the existing fibrous capsule; this is called radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF). In this randomized controlled experimental study, we aim to investigate the reduction effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on RIF. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups, all of which were subjected to implant surgery. No additional procedures were done for the control group. The other groups were the SOD group, the RT + SOD group, and the RT group. The capsules were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: Although SOD reduced surgery-induced capsule formation, it neither prevented nor reduced significantly RIF. CONCLUSIONS: In an experimental model that resembled breast cancer treatment, we concluded that SOD cannot reduce RIF but is effective in reducing capsular fibrosis around the silicone after implant surgery.

Reconstrução mamária em decúbito único lateral com retalho miocutâneo do músculo grande dorsal e implante de silicone: sistematização e série de casos / Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and silicone implant in the single lateral decubitus position: systematization and case series

Introdução: O câncer de mama é afecção de grande relevância para a saúde pública, sendo que seu tratamento cirúrgico e a reconstrução mamária evoluíram bastante ao longo do tempo. A utilização do retalho miocutâneo do grande dorsal (RMGD) com implante mamário de silicone apresenta-se como um verdadeiro cavalo de batalha ao cirurgião plástico em função de sua confiabilidade anatômica e segurança. Realizar esta cirurgia em decúbito único lateral torna o procedimento mais breve e mantém os resultados da técnica convencional. O objetivo do estudo é apresentar a sistematização desta cirurgia em uma série de casos. Método: Estudo retrospectivo realizado por análise de prontuários e documentação fotográfica de 29 pacientes operadas pelo autor e submetidas à reconstrução mamária com RMGD e implante de silicone em decúbito único lateral. Resultados: Houve um caso de extrusão do implante de silicone por seroma e infecção no sítio receptor (3,5%). Uma paciente cursou com seroma no dorso (3,5%). Um caso de necrose parcial da ilha de pele do retalho (3,5%) e dois casos de sofrimento do envelope cutâneo da mastectomia (7,0%). Uma paciente necessitou retirada do implante de silicone por extensa recidiva local (3,5%). Um caso de contratura capsular Baker III após radioterapia adjuvante (3,5%). Quatro pacientes tiveram suas cicatrizes revisadas (14%). Três pacientes tiveram limitação de movimentos (10,5%). Os resultados mostraram-se compatíveis com os apresentados para a técnica convencional na literatura vigente. Conclusão: A sistematização desta técnica dispensa mudança de decúbito e torna o procedimento mais breve, mantendo sua segurança e confiabilidade.

Introduction: Breast cancer is an important public health condition, and its surgical treatment and the subsequent breast reconstruction has evolved significantly over time. The use of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMF) with silicone breast implants is a mainstay of plastic surgeons due to the anatomical reliability and safety. Performing this surgery in the single lateral decubitus position makes the procedure shorter and maintains the results of the conventional technique. The objective of this study was to present a systematization of this surgery from a series of cases. Method: Retrospective study using medical records and photographic documentation of 29 patients operated on by the author and submitted to breast reconstruction with a LDMF and silicone implant in a lateral decubitus position. Results: Silicone implant extrusion due to seroma and infection at the receptor site was noted in one patient (3.5%). One patient had a seroma on the back (3.5%); there was one patient with partial necrosis of the skin island of the flap (3.5%), and two patients with mastectomy skin envelope (7.0%). One patient required removal of the silicone implant due to extensive local recurrence (3.5%) while another patient showed Baker III capsular contracture after adjuvant radiotherapy (3.5%). Four patients had scar review (14%), and three patients showed limitation of movement (10.5%). The results were comparable to those reported for the conventional technique. Conclusion: The systematization of this technique requires no change of the decubitus position and makes the procedure shorter, while maintaining safety and reliability.

Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants-ASIA-related to biomaterials: analysis of 45 cases and comprehensive review of the literature.

Systemic autoimmune or granulomatous disorders related to biomaterials of human use have rarely been described. The aim of this study was to report cases of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) related to biomaterial injections and prostheses, mainly silicone, hyaluronic acid, acrylamides and methacrylate compounds in a Spanish patient cohort. This study is a retrospective analysis of clinical, laboratory, histopathological and follow-up data of 45 cases of patients suffering from late-onset, non-infectious inflammatory/autoimmune disorders related to bioimplants. Late onset was defined as 3 months or more post injection. Data were obtained through a further non-systematic but comprehensive review of the literature. Forty-five cases of late-onset adverse reactions related to biomaterial injections or prostheses were reviewed. All cases had systemic complaints that could be categorised as ASIA. In all but four patients, inflammatory features at the implantation site preceded distant or systemic manifestations. Abnormal blood tests were common. Localised inflammatory nodules and panniculitis in 40/45 (88.88%) evolved into a variety of disorders, viz., primary biliary cirrhosis, Sjögren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, human adjuvant disease, vasculitis, inflammatory bowel syndrome and inflammatory polyradiculopathy. Five (11.11%) cases presented primarily with systemic autoimmune disorders. Biomaterials and prostheses can provoke late-onset systemic autoimmune disorders fulfilling ASIA criteria, or present primarily local/regional inflammatory reactions that may eventually evolve into systemic autoimmune and/or granulomatous disorders which fall under ASIA.