Acute Immunologic Reaction to Silicone Breast Implant after Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Since the introduction of silicone based medical devices in to clinical practice, several reports appeared in the medical literature regarding their adverse effects. However, there are few reports of immunologic reactions to these implants.

Case presentation: A case of systemic reaction to a breast implant inserted for immediate breast reconstruction in a breast cancer patient is presented. The patient developed fever and skin rash two months after the surgery. Investigations disclosed no infectious origin for the fever and a dramatic response to steroid therapy was observed.

Conclusion: Immunologic reaction should be considered in case of systemic signs and symptoms after silicone breast implant placement as a rare complication.