Inframammary fold subcutaneous cushion assessment using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

Abstract

Background: The inframammary fold (IMF) is one of the most important elements in the determination of the aesthetic of the female breast. During mastectomies, it is important to preserve the subcutaneous portion nearby the IMF, attempting that, this preservation will greatly facilitate reconstruction allowing more satisfying aesthetic results. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the thickness of the subcutaneous IMF cushion using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition images.Methods: We have gauged the right breast IMF subcutaneous cushion from patients (all the cases without previous surgery in this topography) who were submitted to MRI in a diagnosis radiology center, between January and February of 2017. MRI images were analyzed in T1 fat saturated sequences. The assessment of the fold cushion was realized in the projection of axial measurements in sagittal plane.Results: Among the 50 evaluated patients, the median measure of breast base was 9.91 cm. The median measure of the subcutaneous IMF cushion assessment in the sagittal projection of the breast base meridian was 2.40 cm (varying from 1.34 to 4.05 cm, with percentile 5% of 1.51 cm and percentile 95% of 3.55 cm). Conclusions:Other studies indicate the negligible amount of breast tissue and the low incidence of neoplasia in this topography, the preservation of the IMF seems feasible. The measurements of the IMF thickness, evaluated by MRI in this study, provide reference values for maintaining a desirable inframammary crease.

Quantitative assessment of inframammary fold in Asians: an MRI study

“…In addition, we found that the IMF thickness was positively correlated with breast projection and breast volume. However, a study of Brazilian women measured a larger IMF thickness of 2.40 cm than our data ( 10 ). This may be due to ethnic differences, as previous research has shown that Brazilian women have larger breast sizes than Asian women ( 22 ).…”

“…The thickness of IMF reflects the amount of tissue, which is of clinical significance for mammaplasty. The knowledge of IMF thickness can guide glandular resection to preserve a desirable amount of subcutaneous tissue for skin-sparing mastectomy ( 10 ). Besides, the tissue coverage on the prosthesis for breast augmentation can be assessed by reference to the IMF thickness.…”

“…Although cadaveric studies can reveal the detailed anatomy of the IMF, the disadvantages are the high cost and the lack of precise quantitative measurements ( 4 , 7 ). Quantitative studies of IMF have been performed using medical imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging ( 10 - 12 ). Particularly, MRI is superior in soft tissue imaging, with the 3D reconstruction technique allowing precise positioning and quantitative measurement of the IMF.…”