Scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Sjögren's syndrome after cosmetic breast augmentation with silicone injection: a case report of possible human adjuvant disease

PACK syndrome: A case series and review

A rare overlap syndrome between CREST (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) syndrome and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is described as PACK syndrome, an acronym for primary biliary cholangitis, anticentromere antibodies, CREST syndrome, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. In this retrospective cohort analysis and review, we present fourteen patients who meet diagnostic criteria for PACK syndrome in one of the largest case series of this group. All patients were female, 86% of whom were White with an average age of 66.7 years (range 39-78 years). The prevalence was 5.08% in our PBC cohort (n=256) similar to previous findings. CREST syndrome was diagnosed prior to PBC in 58% of our patients and limited pulmonary and renal involvement were observed. This syndrome is rare, but given its insidious development, clinicians should be aware of this potential overlap in CREST-only and PBC-only patients.

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 implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a review

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a newly recognized provisional entity in the 2017 revision of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. It is an uncommon, slow growing T-cell lymphoma with morphology and immunophenotype similar to anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, the presentation and treatment are unique. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma often presents as a unilateral effusion confined to the capsule of a textured-surface breast implant, a median time of 9 years after the initial implants have been placed. Although it follows an indolent clinical course, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma has the potential to form a mass, to invade locally through the capsule into breast parenchyma or soft tissue and/or to spread to regional lymph nodes. In most cases, an explantation with a complete capsulectomy removing all disease, without chemotherapy is considered to be curative and confers an excellent event free and overall survival. Here we provide a comprehensive review of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, including history, epidemiology, clinical features, imaging and pathology findings, pathologic handling, pathogenic mechanisms, model for progression, therapy and outcomes as well as an analysis of causality between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Editorial: Silicone Implants and Systemic Immunological Disease: Review of the Literature and Preliminary Results

Silicone has been utilized as an implant in reconstructive surgery. For years, silicone has been considered to be biologically inert and essentially harmless. Several studies and case reports show that female patients treated with silicone implants developed a systemic disease associated with immunological abnormalities. Removal of the silicone implants was associated with recovery and resolution of the immune abnormalities. Recently, specific antibodies to silicone have been isolated in children with silicone implants. Additionally, immunological abnormalities and high incidence of systemic progressive sclerosis in patients with silicone implants or injections further support the notion that silicone is not biologically inert, and can cause a syndrome of a systemic disease and immunological abnormalities. The specific mechanisms and duration of the latency period is not yet fully understood.

Immune Functional Impairment in Patients with Clinical Abnormalities and Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone, previously thought to be a biologically inert and harmless material, has now been reported to elicit antibody response and to be responsible for adjuvant disease in humans. The present study was designed to evaluate the immune function of forty individuals who had undergone silicone breast augmentation for a period of longer than ten years and who were compared with 40 sex and age-matched controls. The following immunological functions were studied: lymphocyte subset analysis, lymphocyte mitogenic response, NK cytotoxic activity and markers for autoimmunity such as ANA, rheumatoid factor immune complexes such as smooth muscle, myelin, and thyroid, and tissue antibodies. Results of lymphocyte subpopulation analysis showed significantly elevated T helper/suppressor ratio in 60% and significantly decreased T helper/suppressor ratio in 7.5% of the silicone implant group, while the control group showed increased helper/suppressor ratio only in 10% of tested individuals and no significant decrease in the T helper/suppressor ratio. There was 20% inhibition in T cell mitogenic responses in the silicone implant group, which is significant when compared to the controls. When NK cytotoxic activity was compared between the two groups, significant inhibition in the ability of lymphocytes to kill tumor target cells was observed in the silicone implant group. This inability of target cell lysis was attributed to the demonstrated lack of granularity of NK cells from the silicone implant group. There was significant increase in: immune complexes, anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-thyroid antibodies, anti-striated muscle cell antibody, and anti-myelin basic protein antibodies. These immunological abnormalities in individuals who underwent silicone breast augmentation indicate a mechanism of tissue injury to these patients, causing autoimmune diseases or syndromes. Since autoimmunity in some other conditions is associated with abnormalities in the HLA serotyping system, and since some collagen vascular diseases have been associated with a higher incidence of the HLA serotyping system, it is recommended that HLA studies be included in future investigations of immune-mediated abnormalities associated with silicone breast augmentation. Our findings here show definite abnormalities of the T helper/suppressor ratio, increased autoimmunity, as well as increased production of immune complexes.

Silicone implants have been used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery more than 30 years (Brown et al., 1960). The gel used in the implant is produced from silicone, reduced to form silicone, which is then reacted with methyl chloride and polymerized to form stable polydimethylsiloxane (Brown et al., 1960). There have been a number of reports describing the occurrence of connective tissue disease in patients after the implantation of silicone. This includes scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome which became clinically apparent 2–21 years after implantation of silicone (Yoshida, 1973; Van Nunen et al., 1983; Fack et al., 1984; Okano et al., 1984; Sergott et al., 1986; Endo et al., 1987; Spiera, 1988; Varga et al., 1989; Varga and Jimenez, 1990; Silverstein, 1992). Routine laboratory tests showed normal findings for red and white blood cell counts, platelets, liver and renal functions, urine analysis, thyroid function tests, serum enzymes, and immunoglobulins (Kaiser et al., 1990). Immunopathological findings were reported for complement cascade, rheumatoid factor immune complexes, and anti-nuclear antibody (Kaiser et al., 1990). After removal of the silicone implants, the clinical symptoms improved along with improvement in laboratory parameters (Kaiser et al., 1990). Despite these reported signs and symptoms of connective tissue disease (Yoshida, 1973; Van Nunen et al., 1983; Fack et al., 1984; Okano et al., 1984; Sergott et al., 1986; Endo et al., 1987; Spiera, 1988; Varga et al., 1989; Kaiser et al., 1990; Varga and Jimenez, 1990; Silverstein, 1992), and reported higher percentage of breast cancer in patients with silicone breast implants (Silverstein, 1992), immune functional studies were not reported in these patients. In this study, we examined the immune function in women with clinical symptoms following silicone breast implants.

Systemic sclerosis with anti-RNA polymerase III positivity following silicone breast implant rupture: possible role of B-cell depletion and implant removal in the treatment

Despite some case reports and small series of women with silicone breast implants (SBI) developing Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), no clear evidence of an association of SBI with SSc is available. However, SSc is characterized by clinical and immunological heterogeneity and autoantibodies are currently the best markers to stratify this heterogeneity of patients. Therefore, we have reviewed the literature for details of autoantibody characterization in reports of SSc associated with SBI. Moreover, the case of an anti-RNA polymerase III-positive SSc with rapid onset and progression, in which SBI rupture was found is described. This case may support a previous observation suggesting a possible role of SBI rupture as a trigger for anti-RNA polymerase III-positive SSc. This possible causal role may be reinforced by the observation that in our patient, despite immunosuppressive treatment, the disease progressed until SBI were removed, and reduction of anti-RNA polymerase III titer was obtained after rituximab treatment. This result may support data suggesting that B-cell depleting therapy may decrease specific autoantibody level in SSc patients, and that these changes are associated with disease improvement.

Sjögren's syndrome after silicone breast implantation

Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands, leads to dryness of the mouth and eyes. Herein, we present a case of Sjögren's syndrome that developed after silicone breast implantation. A cause-effect relationship between breast implantation and Sjögren's syndrome has not been established. However, the possibility of such an association should be considered when a patient with silicone implants is admitted to the hospital for treatment of Sjögren's syndrome.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma associated with silicone breast implant, HLA-DRB1*11:01, and HLA-DQB1*03:01 manifesting as macrophage activation syndrome and with severe neurological symptoms: a case report

BACKGROUND

Silicone implants have been successfully used for breast augmentation and reconstruction in millions of women worldwide. The reaction to the silicone implant is highly variable; it can lead to local inflammatory symptoms, and sometimes to systemic symptoms and disease. Over 80 cases of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma have been reported in patients with silicone breast implants and have been accepted as a new clinical entity. To the best of our knowledge, an intravascular large B-cell lymphoma associated with a silicone breast implant has not been reported previously.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with high fever was found to have splenomegaly on physical examination. A laboratory diagnosis revealed pancytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperferritinemia. She developed signs of altered sensorium, hemiparesis, aphasia, and cauda equina syndrome. On further evaluation, she fulfilled the necessary five out of eight criteria for diagnosis of macrophage activation syndrome/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Dexamethasone administration was followed by prompt improvement; however, 3 days later she again manifested high fever, which persisted despite administration of immunoglobulin and cyclosporine A. Her silicone breast implant was considered a possible contributor to her macrophage activation syndrome and was therefore removed. A histological examination of the capsule tissue showed an extensive lymphohistiocytic/giant cell foreign body reaction suggestive of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants. However, the histological examination unexpectedly also revealed an intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The genetic background of our patient with silicone breast implants might have predisposed her to three rare and difficult to diagnose syndromes/diseases: macrophage activation syndrome/hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants, and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma. The simultaneous manifestation of all three syndromes suggests causal interrelationships. Human leukocyte antigen testing in all women who undergo silicon breast implantation could in the future enable us to better evaluate the risk of potential side effects.

Silicone Breast Implants, Breast Cancer and Specific Connective Tissue Diseases: A Systematic Review of the Data in the Epidemiological Literature

Unanswered concerns about the systemic safety of silicone breast implants (BI) underlay the Food and Drug Administration's moratorium pronouncement in 1992. Since then, many epidemiological studies have been reported that examined either the association between BI and cancer, particularly breast cancer, or the association between BI and connective tissue diseases (CTD), particularly scleroderma. These studies are reviewed, and their data are synthesized. Three breast cancer easel control studies that examine BI as a risk factor show no association between BI and breast cancer. Nor do four BI cohort studies. The data appear to show a reduced risk. No association has been seen between Bl and either breast sarcomas or total cancers. Case-control studies do not show an association between BI and scleroderma (four studies), rheumatoid arthritis (three studies), systemic lupus erythematosus (two studies), or other connective tissue diseases. Eight cohort studies of women with breast implants sought an association between BI and CTD. Seven had negative results. One found a statistically significant risk of self-reported CTD of 1.24 (upper confidence limit = 1.41), but medical record review for diagnostic confirmation has not yet been performed. In toto, the epidemiological studies do not indicate an association between breast implants and breast cancer, though they suggest possibly a negative association. In toto, the epidemiological studies do not indicate an association between breast implants and specific connective tissue diseases, though one study's current results present a small statistically significant association with self-reported CTD.

Surgical management of silicone mastitis: case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Free silicone injection for breast augmentation, which became widespread in the 1960s and continues illicitly to this day, has well-known adverse effects. In this retrospective chart review of 14 patients treated for silicone mastitis from 1990 to 2002, we present our experience with the surgical management of patients with silicone mastitis.

METHODS

All the patients were women, ranging in age from 49 to 76 years old (mean age = 58.8). Patients presented to us a mean of 29.9 years after their free silicone breast injection. Treatment modalities were analyzed, and, specifically, methods of breast reconstruction involving autologous tissue transfers, implants, or a combination were evaluated.

RESULTS

The majority of patients (12 of 14) required mastectomies for extensive silicone-infiltrated tissues. The remaining two patients had focal areas of disease and were successfully treated with excision and local breast parenchyma flaps. Autologous reconstruction was performed with a total of 20 flaps, including 12 free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, 4 free superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flaps, and 4 pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps. Two patients had bilateral implant-based breast reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

A variety of reconstructive options are available for patients presenting with silicone mastitis. Once an appropriate breast cancer workup has been performed, the surgical goal is to excise as much of the silicone-infiltrated tissues as possible before reconstruction. To our knowledge, this is the first reported series that incorporates the use of SGAP and LD flaps as a means of autologous tissue reconstruction for silicone-infiltrated breasts.

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 .

Silicone and scleroderma revisited

Silicone, a synthetic polymer considered to be a biologically inert substance, is used in a multitude of medical products, the most publicly recognized of which are breast implants. Silicone breast implants have been in use since the early 1960s for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes, and reports of autoimmune disease-like syndromes began appearing in the medical literature soon thereafter. Over the previous year, silicone implants have been suggested as playing a role in a new syndrome that encompasses a wide array of immune-related manifestations, termed ASIA ('Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvant'). Scleroderma, a relatively rare connective tissue disease with skin manifestations and systemic effects, has also been described in association with silicone implantation and rupture. However, epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have failed to corroborate the clinical impression of silicone-induced scleroderma. The following review describes the mechanisms by which silicone may mediate autoimmunity in general, as well as the evidence for causal associations with more specific autoimmune syndromes in general, and scleroderma in particular.

Temporoparietal fascial free flap for correction of first web space atrophy

Fourteen temporoparietal fascial free flaps were used for correction of first web space atrophy from ulnar nerve palsy in 13 patients. Ten sustained ulnar nerve injuries and three suffered from leprosy. The procedures were performed under general anesthesia except one leprosy patient with bilateral ulnar nerve palsy in which local anesthesia and brachial block were employed to harvest bilateral free flaps and recipient site preparations, respectively. The follow-up time varied from 4 to 64 months. The postoperative results were satisfactory and there was no resorption of the free flaps. The consistency of the augmented first web space was soft and compressible like natural feel. The size of the flap was more than enough for augmentation of first web space and donor site morbidity was minimal and accepted by all patients. We conclude that temporoparietal fascial free flap is an ideal autogenous tissue for correction of first web space atrophy.

Self-reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Danish Women With Cosmetic Breast Implants

BACKGROUND

No epidemiological evidence of an association between silicone breast implants and connective tissue disease has been found. Based on case reports, it has been hypothesized that silicone breast implants may be associated with a unique rheumatic symptom cluster termed "atypical connective tissue disease."

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have evaluated self-reported rheumatic symptoms among women who received breast implants between 1977 and 1997 at 2 private plastic surgery clinics in Denmark. Women with other cosmetic surgery, including breast reduction, as well as women from the general population, were identified as controls.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences in mild (odds ratio [OR] = 0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.6-1.3), moderate (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.4-1.2), or severe (OR = 1.1; 95% CI = 0.6-2.1) musculoskeletal symptoms were observed when women with breast implants were compared with women with other cosmetic surgery. Compared with women from the general population, women with breast implants were statistically significantly less likely to have mild or moderate musculoskeletal symptoms (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3-0.7 and OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.2-0.5, respectively); for severe symptoms the deficit was not statistically significant (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.3-1.3). For individual symptom groups, there was no consistent pattern of reporting among women with implants.

CONCLUSION

We did not find an excess of rheumatic symptoms or symptom clusters among women with breast implants. In fact, the occurrence of mild, moderate, and severe musculoskeletal symptoms was generally lower among women with implants compared with women with other cosmetic surgery and women in the general population.

The peri-implant breast capsule: an immunophenotypic study of capsules taken at explantation surgery

Silicone-based breast implants continue to be the focus of many studies attempting to correlate implant failure to clinical and pathological factors. Routine pathology of peri-implant capsule is extensively described in the literature. The actual significance of the cellular events remains unconfirmed, particularly with reference to clinical outcome. This study reviews our experience with explanted capsules. The study makes specific reference to the immunohistochemistry of the cells participating in the capsule and the significance of the immunophenotypic characterization of these cells to clinical outcome. The use of a wide selection of immunomarkers for T and B lymphocytes and histiocytes provided no supporting evidence for local cell participation in the capsule, which may indicate the presence of an immunological reaction present in the capsule at the time of explantation. One was only able to confirm the presence of a low grade inflammatory process and progression to fibrosis and calcification over time. Statistical correlation was obtained only between Baker grade of capsular contracture and CD3/CD68 immunomarker positivity. CD45RO did show correlation with pain. No correlation was demonstrated with calcification. The results obtained in this study highlighted the need for further investigations into the mechanism of histiocyte and fibrocyte recruitment and activation in the capsule, a possible source of pain and contracture, which is a serious long-term clinical finding leading to the necessity for explantation.

The immunopathology of siliconosis. History, clinical presentation, and relation to silicosis and the chemistry of silicon and silicone

Recent evidence confirms the fundamental involvement of the human immune system in the reaction to implantation of silicone-based medical devices. An as yet-to-be particularized epitope of many complex substances sharing siloxane structures is presented through the MHC-II apparatus with development and retention of T cell memory. This memory can be tested for in practical terms using one or more forms of silica, which links the immuno-histopathology and autoimmune attributes of "silicosis" with those of "siliconosis." The lesions of siliconosis are typical of those for persistent antigens and delayed, cell mediated hypersensitivity. The basic descriptive pathology of the reaction to silicone has been known since soon after introduction of silicones in medical procedures, with the exception of some details related to the more recent discoveries on the role of cytokines in the immunopathic process. The clinical consequences of siliconosis are common and can be severe in some individuals implanted with silicone devices.

Investigation of silicone oil and fumed silica in an adjuvant animal model

Human adjuvant disease is the label given to a syndrome that resembles a connective tissue disease such as scleroderma and that has been hypothesized to follow augmentation mammoplasty with silicone gel implants or silicone with adulerants. To date, there is no proof that pure silicone is the cause of these symptoms. The cases presented in the literature suggest a comparison to the events seen in the rat adjuvant arthritis model. Male Lew/SsN rats (n = 65) were used. To evaluate both the adjuvant and antigenic properties of the gel implant, variations of the standard Freund's complete adjuvant inoculum were prepared. Tested were the abilities of low molecular weight silicone to act as an adjuvant and for fumed silica to act as an antigen by modifying a rat adjuvant arthritis model to include silicone and fumed silica. On day 0, 0.25 ml of each inoculum was injected intradermally into the plantar aspect of the hindfoot of each rat. The foot diameter was recorded at each time period, compared with the contralateral hindfoot, and normalized to controls at regular time periods over the course of 120 days. Silicone oil did not act as an adjuvant. Furthermore, fumed silica alone did not act as an antigen; however, it is capable of eliciting a reaction that is both delayed and uncharacteristic of the rat adjuvant arthritis model. These results indicate that "human adjuvant disease" may be inappropriate and misleading.

Silicon tissue assay: a measurement of capsular levels from chemotherapeutic port-a-catheter devices

A plethora of data has been used to condemn and defend the role of silicone and its association with "adjuvant disease." In the ongoing attempt to enhance our knowledge, we have chosen to identify tissue silicon levels (n = 15) in capsules that form around chemotherapeutic port-a-catheter devices, which consist of a metal dome encapsuled by silicone. We have compared these levels with previously established silicon levels in augmented breast capsules, distant tissue sites in these same augmented women, and nonaugmented cadaveric tissues from various geographic locations in the United States. All specimens were harvested by a "no touch" technique, not formalin fixed, frozen, and shipped to an independent toxicology laboratory for analysis. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy was employed to obtain the tissue silicon measurements. Results demonstrated silicon values ranging from nondetectable in 9 patients to as high as 41 micrograms/gm. These values fell in between our cadaveric (0.5 to 6.8 micrograms/gm) and augmented tissue silicon levels (18 to 8700 micrograms/gm). Although the sample size is small and the power of statistical analysis is low, there was no correlation between the patient's silicon level and age, type of cancer, type of chemotherapeutic agent, radiation therapy, or length of time the port-a-catheters were in place. Although detectable levels of silicon identified around port-a-catheter devices were higher than expected, it is impossible to make any conclusions about these levels and the role of a potential collagen-vascular disease. What we have shown, however, is that silicone breast implants may not be the only medical device that can elevate tissue silicon levels. Our data seem to suggest that there may be a progression of measurable tissue silicon levels based on the amount of environmental or device-related silicon exposure a person has had at a particular time in his or her life. It is our belief that as we identify these tissue silicon levels, they will serve as a baseline and reference for further scientific studies.

Silicon tissue assays: a comparison of nonaugmented cadaveric and augmented patient levels

Tissue silicon assays were performed on 10 nonaugmented cadavers and 25 augmented women to confirm our previous cadaveric data and to establish silicon levels at local and distant sites in augmented women undergoing explant and further reconstruction. All assays were performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emissions spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Cadaveric tissues were sampled from six sites: liver, spleen, breast, nipple, axilla (soft tissue and nodes), and subcutaneous tissue (abdominal). Augmented women undergoing explant surgery had a portion of their implant capsule, breast tissue, and for those undergoing autogenous reconstruction, a portion of the autogenous donor site or distant tissue sampled. Twenty-four women had silicone implants; one had saline. Results revealed baseline silicon levels in all 10 non-augmented cadavers. These results were equivalent to our previous data, confirming the validity of these baseline data. Silicon tissue levels in the 25 augmented women revealed elevated levels within the implant capsule and surrounding breast tissue. However, silicon levels obtained from distant sites in augmented women were equivalent to the baseline nonaugmented cadaveric levels. There was no correlation between intact or ruptured implants and symptoms of collagen-vascular disease. In conclusion, study validates our original data of baseline silicon levels in nonaugmented cadavers. Contrary to what some may perceive as silicone floating throughout the body, we have found elevated levels around the implant only, and levels at distant tissue sites were equivalent to the baseline cadaveric data.

Laboratory studies in breast implant patients: ANA positivity, gammaglobulin levels, and other autoantibodies

Silicone polymers when used in augmentation prosthesis in breast surgery have been associated in the medical literature with various systemic clinical manifestations and abnormal laboratory testing suggestive of an atypical autoimmune disease. The most frequently cited abnormal test result is the antinuclear antibody. The literature regarding this test is reviewed in general, and then specific previous studies analyzed. The present study then compares the rate of positive antinuclear antibody tests in a case series of 3380 breast implant recipients with historical normal controls, and finds a six-fold increase in relative risk of a positive test. Analysis of the data show that this increased tendency is at least partially a function of duration of implant exposure to a significant degree (p < 0.001), and the same data shows it is not patient age related. Possible explanations of this phenomenon are discussed, including animal studies suggesting that silicone serves as an adjuvant, and therefore might have an effect on immune tolerance in the subject population.

Downregulation of silicone-induced chronic arthritis by gastric administration of type II collagen

We previously demonstrated that intra-articular injection of silicone in rats induced acute arthritis followed by chronic destructive joint inflammation in which T cells played a role. To investigate whether the model of T cell-mediated chronic silicone-induced arthritis (SIA) is modified by oral administration of type II collagen (CII), rats were fed CII either before or after intra-articular injection of silicone. We found that feeding CII either before or after intra-articular injection of silicone markedly suppressed the development of chronic arthritis. The early phase of acute joint inflammation was not affected by the oral antigen. There were no proliferative responses to CII of lymph node cells from rats with SIA. The proliferation to CII of lymph node cells from CII-primed rats was markedly suppressed by the addition of spleen cells from animals fed CII. Furthermore, the proliferative response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) of KLH-sensitized lymph node cells was also suppressed by the addition of CII plus spleen cells from CII-fed animals. Injection of the spleen cells into rats followed by intra-articular injection of silicone inhibited the development of chronic SIA. These results indicate that T cell-mediated chronic arthritis may be downregulated by oral administration of CII and that the downregulation of joint inflammation may be due to the generation of CII-specific regulatory lymphocytes that react to CII abundant in cartilage.

Breast implants, rheumatoid arthritis, and connective tissue diseases in a clinical practice

This study was designed to assess the relationship between breast implants and certain rheumatologic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis and diffuse connective tissue diseases). The study base was a rheumatological practice in Atlanta, Georgia that started in 1982 and began computerizing its records in 1985. The computerized records through May 1992 included 4229 women patients, 150 with breast implants and 721 with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and/or one of the connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Of the 721 patients who had been diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and/or one of the connective tissue diseases (CTDs), 392 had rheumatoid arthritis, 344 had connective tissue disease, 15 had both rheumatoid arthritis and a connective tissue disease, and 33 had more than one connective tissue disease. Of the patients with connective tissue disease, 179 had systemic lupus erythematosus, 64 had scleroderma, 49 had Sjögren's syndrome, 36 had dermatomyositis or polymyositis, and 49 had mixed connective tissue disease. Data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate techniques including logistic regression. Significant variables included age at first visit, income strata, and period of first visit. Analyses were performed for each clinical diagnosis, for all connective tissue diseases together (CTDs), and for those with rheumatoid arthritis and/or connective tissue disease (RA/CTD). Analyses were performed on the total data base and on the records of new patients (1986-1992). The adjusted odds ratio for breast implants among women who entered the practice in 1986-1992 and were diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis and/or one of the connective tissue diseases (RA/CTDs) was 0.45 (0.22-0.90), for those with rheumatoid arthritis was 0.61 (0.28-1.49), for those with any of these specific diffuse connective tissue diseases was 0.34 (0.11-1.06) compared to those without the disease. For systemic lupus erythematosus, the odds ratio of 0.24 (0.03-1.75) was based on a single case who had the disease 5 yr before the implant. For Sjögren's syndrome, the odds ratio was 1.67 (0.39-7.13) based on two cases, one of whom had the disease 5 yr before the implant. The calculated odds ratios for scleroderma, dermatomyositis/polymyositis, and mixed connective tissue disease were zero since no cases were diagnosed among the patients with breast implants. This study found no evidence that women with breast implants are at an increased risk for having rheumatoid arthritis or other diffuse connective tissue disease.

Trends in the utilization of silicone breast implants, 1964-1991, and methodology for a population-based study of outcomes

Using the unique data resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we have designed a population-based retrospective cohort study to examine the risks and complications of silicone breast implants among 749 Olmsted County, Minnesota, women who received these devices between 1964 and 1991, and 1498 control women who did not receive such devices. In this paper, we present data describing the population-based trends in the utilization of these devices from 1964 to 1991. In addition, we discuss the case ascertainment, outcome assessment, and reliability of the data collection for the outcomes study. The utilization of breast implants increased markedly over the past 30 yr with the rate of new implants per 100,000 women (> or = 15 years of age) rising from 3.5 in 1964 to 95 in 1979, remaining stable thereafter. The prevalence of breast implants among Olmsted County women > or = 15 years of age on 1 January 1992 was approx. 1%. An examination of the characteristics of these women reveals that recent utilization of breast implants has increased more rapidly among rural than among urban women, that the proportion of women receiving implants for breast cancer mastectomy reconstruction has increased in recent years, and that the great majority of women receiving implants are married at the time of implant. These trends also revealed that the average age of women who receive implants is rising and that in more recent years both much younger and much older women are receiving implants.

Silicone breast implants: immunotoxic and epidemiologic issues

Silicone gel implants for breast augmentation and reconstruction have been in use since 1962. Significant local complications include capsular contracture, rupture, gel "bleed", and spread of the implant material to regional lymph nodes (1-7) as well as histologic findings of foreign body granulomas in the capsular tissue and in lymph nodes (7-9). Through magnetic resonance spectroscopy and atomic emission spectroscopy, silicon compounds were found in the blood of some women with silicone breast implants; silicone and silica have also been found in liver (10). Well-publicized case reports have raised significant concerns regarding an association between implants and systemic disease. However, despite the availability of silicone implants for over 30 years, controlled epidemiological studies were not carried out until 1992. Currently available epidemiologic data are extremely limited. In part, because the majority of implants were used after 1981, the incidence of long-term problems is not yet known. In 1992, due to the unavailability of studies demonstrating the safety of implants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised that silicone breast implants should be used only in reconstructive surgery and as part of clinical trials (11). This decision spurred a wave of research on the bioreactivity of silicone and clinical observations of patients with implants. Herein, we review the adverse immune effects following contact with silicone as well as the epidemiologic data available.

Silicone injection granulomas of the breast: treatment by subcutaneous mastectomy and immediate subpectoral breast implant

Silicone leakage from silicone breast prostheses with or without rupture of the prostheses is of great concern. Silicone injection for breast augmentation is still common in Asia, even though silicone injection induced granulomas and associated malignancy have been reported. A series of 24 women who had bilateral silicone injection granulomas in their breasts, requiring subcutaneous mastectomies and immediate breast reconstruction, is presented. Most of the patients had had one silicone injection into each breast. The patients' average age was 37.5 years and removal of the granulomas was done 3-20 years (mean 8.4 years) after the silicone injections. All patients had breast lumps and some had mastitis (21%) and dermatitis (16%) but none had palpable axillary lymph nodes. Mammograms showed diffuse, multiple granulomas of various sizes. Subcutaneous mastectomies were done via inframammary incisions. Immediate breast reconstruction was carried out with double-lumen silicone/saline implants or textured saline-filled implants inserted subpectorally via a separate axillary incision. The implants were entirely covered by the pectoralis major muscle and partially dissected serratus anterior fascia. Two cases had wound infections (8%) as early complications, and two cases developed hypertrophic scars (8%). At 6-41 months follow-up (mean 21.4 months), 69% of the patients had Baker II and 31% of the patients had Baker III breast capsular contractures.

Silicone breast implants: the role of immune system on capsular contracture formation

We evaluated the role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of the periprosthetic capsular contracture, the most frequently occurring complication following the implant of silicone prostheses. Peripheral blood samples from 22 patients with silicone-gel-filled implants were examined. In all cases a capsule was felt by palpation, and it was classified according to the Baker scale. Ten patients (group 1) had a Baker 2 contracture, and 12 (group 2) had severe contracture rated 3 and 4. The cells positive to antigens CD3, CD4, CD8, HLA-DR, CD19, CD25, CD57, CD16, and CD14, and the cytotoxic activity of the lymphocytes on target cells K562 were assessed by cytofluorimetric analysis. At time 0 there were no statistically significant differences between patients and normal subjects, nor between the two groups. At 48 h, the group 2 patients had a number/mm3 of cells CD57 + significantly higher than both group 1 and control group (P < .05). In group 1 patients, the cytotoxic activity was similar to that of normal subjects, whereas in group 2 it was significantly increased, in respect to both the controls (P < .05) and group 1 (P < .001). In all groups, the contact of the lymphocytes with the silicone extract did not modify either the antigen expression or the lymphocyte functional activity. On the basis of these results we hypothesize the involvement of the immune system in the formation of the capsular contracture around the prosthesis.

Silicone-induced arthritis in rats and possible role for T cells

Intra-articular injection of silicone into the ankle joint of the rat induced persistent arthritis. Histologically, at 24 h after silicone injection, there was marked edema of the synovial tissue containing many inflammatory cells including polymorphs, monocytes and macrophages. This was followed by marked proliferation of synovium with dense infiltration of mononuclear cells and destruction of cartilage. Immunohistological studies showed that a large number of CD5+ and alpha beta+ T cells infiltrated in synovial tissues in the chronic phase of joint inflammation. Treatment of rats with a monoclonal antibody against TCR alpha beta significantly suppressed the development of chronic, but not acute arthritis. Thus, T cells may play a role in silicone-induced chronic arthritis.

Autoimmune connective tissue disease and connective tissue disease-like illnesses after silicone gel augmentation mammoplasty

Since first reported in 1982, published anecdotal reports have appeared with increasing frequency of patients in whom autoimmune connective tissue diseases developed after mammary augmentation with silicone gel-filled elastomer envelope-type prostheses. Although scleroderma has been reported most often, other diagnoses have included systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and mixed connective tissue disease. Other patients have ill-defined connective tissue-like illnesses often referred to as "human adjuvant disease." The occurrence of dermatomyositis and polymyositis after silicone breast implants appears to be infrequent. We report two new cases of dermatomyositis after silicone exposure. In addition, a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to rheumatic disease and silicone gel augmentation mammoplasty is presented to provide some perspective on this highly complicated and controversial subject.

A clinical and laboratory profile of symptomatic women with silicone breast implants

One hundred seventy-six patients with breast prosthetic implants were evaluated. All women were symptomatic and were referred by either attorneys (152) or physicians (24) for rheumatic evaluation. The women ranged in age from 24 to 72 with a mean of 45 years. Indications for surgery were cosmetic (128), cancer (34), and other (14). Implants had been in place for 7 years or more in 120 patients and < 2 years in only 8. Eighty-three women required explantation of their original prostheses, and 63 had new implants inserted of which 47 were silicone and 16 were saline. Capsular contractures were present in 128 women, and documented implant rupture occurred in 67. Sixty-four women underwent manual closed capsulotomies. Of the 63 revisions, 37 resulted in contractures of the new implant. The most frequent symptoms seen in the women were chronic fatigue (77%) cognitive dysfunction (65%), arthralgia (56%), dry mouth (53%), dry eye (50%), alopecia (40%), and dysphagia (35%). The most common findings on physical examination were telangiectasias (60%), erythema of the chest wall (56%), carpal tunnel syndrome (47%), petechiae (46%), lacrimal gland enlargement (26%), thyroid tenderness (22%), thyroid enlargement (21%), and parotid enlargement (18%). Laboratory findings included elevated cholesterol (59%), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (32%), elevated serum immunoglobulin (28%), and positive autonuclear antibody (25%) seen most often. Despite clinical features suggesting Sjögren's syndrome, antibodies to Ro (SSA) were seen in only 2 patients, and antibodies to La (SSB) were seen in only 4 patients. Siliconosis is a novel systemic disease with symptoms of chronic fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sicca syndrome, and arthralgia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Clinical findings in symptomatic women with silicone breast implants

We report the clinical findings in a series of women with silicone breast implants (SBI) and rheumatic disease. These findings represent the first 50 patients seen at the University of South Florida Medical Clinic between March 1977 and January 1991. The average age was 44 years with a range of 30 to 66 years. The most common clinical findings included chronic fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, joint swelling, and lymphadenopathy. Seventeen women with an average Steinbrocker functional class of 1.8 decided not to remove the implants. An average of 14 months later, follow-up showed no change in their condition. Thirty-three women, with an average functional class of 2.5 underwent implant removal. Twelve of the 33 had documented implant rupture. During an average follow-up of 22 months after implant removal, 24 women improved clinically, 8 did not change, and 1 worsened. We believe this series supports a relationship between silicone breast implants and rheumatic disease signs and symptoms. Although this report is not a definitive epidemiological study, findings suggest that physicians should inform women about the possible benefit of implant removal.

Risk of connective-tissue diseases and other disorders after breast implantation

BACKGROUND

We conducted a population-based, retrospective study to examine the risk of a variety of connective-tissue diseases and other disorders after breast implantation.

METHODS

All women in Olmsted County, Minnesota, who received a breast implant between January 1, 1964, and December 31, 1991 (the case subjects), were studied. For each case subject, two women of the same age (within three years) from the same population who had not received a breast implant and who underwent a medical evaluation within two years of the date of the implantation in the case subject were selected as control subjects. Each woman's inpatient and outpatient medical record was reviewed for the occurrence of various connective-tissue diseases, certain other disorders thought to have an autoimmune pathogenesis (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis), and cancer other than breast cancer, as well as related symptoms and abnormal results of laboratory tests. The case subjects were categorized according to whether they received implants for cosmetic reasons, for reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer, or for reconstruction after subcutaneous mastectomy for cancer prophylaxis. Additional control subjects (women treated for breast cancer who did not have breast reconstruction) were studied for comparison with the case subjects.

RESULTS

A total of 749 women who had received a breast implant were followed for a mean of 7.8 years, and 1498 community controls were followed for a mean of 8.3 years. In 5 case subjects, as compared with 10 subjects in the control group, one of the specified connective-tissue diseases was diagnosed (relative risk, 1.06; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.34 to 2.97). Twenty-five case subjects had signs or symptoms of arthritis, as compared with 39 control subjects (relative risk, 1.35; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.81 to 2.23). Among the various signs or symptoms examined, only morning stiffness was significantly increased among the women who had received a breast implant (relative risk, 1.81; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.11 to 2.95).

CONCLUSIONS

We found no association between breast implants and the connective-tissue diseases and other disorders that were studied.

Silicone breast prostheses and rheumatic symptoms: a retrospective follow up study

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether women with silicone breast prostheses have more rheumatic complaints than controls.

METHODS

The study included 287 women who had silicone breast prostheses implanted between 1978-90. For every patient a female control of the same age was selected who had had an aesthetic operation in the same year. A questionnaire was sent to this retrospective cohort of women with silicone breast prostheses and controls.

RESULTS

Questionnaires were returned by 235 cases (82%) and 210 controls (73%). Patients reported more symptoms arising after surgery than controls (0.6 v 0.3 complaints per subject, p < 0.001). The average interval between surgery and onset of complaints was 5.1 years for patients and 5.9 for controls. Complaints presented by patients were: painful joints (p < 0.005), burning eyes (p < 0.01), and skin abnormalities (p < 0.005). Differences in the use of antirheumatic drugs or medical consultations related to rheumatic symptoms did not reach statistical significance. Further information obtained from the patients and controls reporting rheumatic symptoms did not reveal the presence of a specific syndrome in connection with silicone materials.

CONCLUSION

Women with silicone breast prostheses report more rheumatic complaints after silicone implantation than controls, but there is no evidence of increased prevalence of common rheumatic diseases.

Silicone allergy in ventriculoperitoneal shunts

Reported are the cases of three hydrocephalic patients who developed a clinically heterogenous entity with an allergic rejection of their silicone ventriculoperitoneal shunts. All of the patients had an original presentation indicative of a shunt infection, but laboratory analysis revealed sterile cerebrospinal fluid in all three cases. The typical course included recurrent skin breakdowns over the shunt tract, subsequent infections and development of fungating granulomas. Treatment, with successful resolution of the symptoms, included changing the shunt material from silicone to polyurethane, with immunosuppression in one patient and removal of the shunt altogether in the other two patients. The roles of the immune system and silicone in the pathophysiology of this condition are discussed.

Silicone-reactive disorder: a new autoimmune disease caused by immunostimulation and superantigens

Over 100 cases of disorders closely resembling classic autoimmune diseases have been reported among patients who were injected or implanted with a diverse group of chemicals including paraffins, vegetable oils or silicone. Most cases have occurred in silicone breast implant recipients, especially those who received their prostheses 2-10 years prior to onset of symptoms. A high proportion of patients exhibit classic signs and symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome or scleroderma. Affected patients typically experience some combination of fatigue, myalgia, joint pain, sicca syndrome (dry eyes and mouth), synovitis, rash, alopecia, muscular weakness or lymphadenopathy, and autoantibody formation. Less commonly, patients may have the CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomena, esophageal hypomotility, sclerodactyly and telangiectasias), hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, or central nervous system pathology.

Silicone gel breast implants, breast cancer and connective tissue disorders

Recent worldwide media speculation that silicone gel-filled breast implants may be linked to an increased incidence of breast and other cancers, and connective tissue disease (particularly systemic sclerosis) has caused concern to the medical profession and public alike. Until carefully controlled studies have been performed to prove the safety of these implants, the US Food and Drug Administration has restricted their use to research and breast reconstruction. Research has so far failed to prove a causative relationship between silicone implants and cancer or connective tissue disorders.

Autoantibodies in scleroderma

Autoantibodies directed against nuclear, nucleolar, and a number of cytoplasmic components are described in the sera of scleroderma patients. Early studies of autoantibodies that relied on cryopreserved sections of rodent organ substrates showed that approximately 50% of scleroderma patients had anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA). More recent studies that have used tissue culture cell substrates have shown that up to 98% of scleroderma patients have a positive ANA. In all of these studies, the presence of different patterns of staining have suggested that scleroderma sera reacted with a variety of intracellular antigens. The use of molecular and immunochemical techniques has now shown that over 20 intracellular autoantigens are targets of autoantibodies in scleroderma sera. Clinical studies have shown that these autoantibodies are important diagnostic and prognostic markers in scleroderma. In the future, autoantibody testing may be used to monitor the patient's response to immunological therapies.

Antinuclear autoantibodies in women with silicone breast implants

Clinical syndromes resembling autoimmune diseases have been reported in women who have had breast augmentation procedures. To see whether there is a humoral immune response in these diseases that is similar to the immune response in their idiopathic counterparts, we assessed the immunological specificity of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and certain epidemiological features in 24 patients, all of whom (with 1 exception) had received silicone gel breast implants. ANA specificities were identified by indirect immunofluorescence, immunodiffusion, western blot analysis, and immunoprecipitation of radiolabelled intracellular proteins. Of 11 patients who had symptoms and signs that met criteria for defined autoimmune diseases, 7 had scleroderma or subsets of this disorder and the others had systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or overlapping autoimmune diseases. High ANA titres were present in 10 of these 11 patients and the ANA specificities were similar to those found in the idiopathic forms of the corresponding autoimmune diseases. Trauma, with resultant rupture of implants, accelerated onset of symptoms. 13 other patients had autoimmune disorders of a less clearly defined nature and low titres of ANAs whose specificities could not be identified. ANAs are associated with the development of autoimmune complications in women with silicone breast implants. Further studies are needed to see whether this relation is one of cause and effect and whether ANAs might be early serological markers preceding development of autoimmune symptoms.

Southwestern Internal Medicine Conference: The Many Faces of Scleroderma

This review integrates the clinical aspects of systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) and scleroderma-like conditions with new knowledge of the control of blood vessel tone and the role of anoxia in the activation of connective tissues leading to fibrosis. Serologic tests, high resolution computed tomographic scanning, bronchoalveolar lavage, and physiologic assessment of pulmonary gas diffusion are compared as diagnostic tools and as means of quantitating internal organ involvement. Treatment of Raynaud's disease and phenomenon, management of scleroderma renal crisis, and new means for improving gastrointestinal function with octreotide, the somatostatin analogue, also are discussed. The relationship between idiopathic forms of SSc and eosinophilic fasciitis/eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome caused by L-tryptophan ingestion and the scleroderma-like disease associated with silicone breast implants also is discussed.

Breast implant materials: sense and safety

Cosmetic breast augmentation, and post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery using synthetic implants, have become established in surgical practice over more than 20 years. The operative technique for implant placement have changed somewhat during this time, as many different implant presentations have become available, but the same basic materials have remained in use. We have reviewed the present state of knowledge about breast implant materials with particular reference to the possible connection between polydimethylsiloxane and polyurethane to the so-called "Human Adjuvant Disease", and to carcinogenesis. Problems related to capsular contracture and mammography are also discussed.

Human adjuvant disease: remission of silicone induced autoimmune disease after explanation of breast augmentation

Autoimmune diseases following silicone or paraffin implantation are rarely encountered complications of plastic surgery. A 42 year old woman is presented who developed clinical and immunological features of systemic lupus erythematosus 11 years after silicone augmentation. After explanation antinuclear antibody titres decreased from 1/1280 to 1/160, C4 complement fraction and the previously raised angiotensin converting enzyme normalised in step with clinical improvement. It is important that plastic surgeons and rheumatologists should be aware of this possible association.

Environmentally-induced systemic sclerosis-like illness

Interaction of the host immune system with certain substances found in the environment will, in the presence of other unknown factors such as genetic susceptibility, lead to aberrant immune responses manifested as disease. In most of the conditions discussed above, simple removal from exposure to the offending agent does not lead to resolution. This suggests that an ongoing response has been triggered which cannot immediately be turned off, perhaps due to continued presence of the substance such as in human adjuvant disease where paraffin or silicone has been found in lymphoid tissue. Scleroderma remains a disease of uncertain cause for which our present treatment is inadequate. Illnesses presented in this chapter resemble the natural form of the disease in many ways and may provide useful insight into its pathogenesis. In the short term, recognition of exposure to environmental hazards which appear to pose risk will prevent additional cases of disabling illness. Study of chemically induced forms of scleroderma may, in the future, allow us to predict potential toxicity of chemically similar compounds. If we could learn how they trigger disease, researchers might be able to apply the information to understanding the pathogenesis of naturally-occurring scleroderma.

Silicone and rheumatic diseases

Silicone generally has been regarded as a biologically inert material. However, recent reports suggest that inflammatory responses to silicone occur. There is some experimental and clinical evidence of a direct inflammatory response to the presence of liquid or particulate silicone. These include granulomatous skin reaction to injected silicone, synovitis around silicone prosthetic joints, and lymphadenopathy proximal to silicone prostheses. There are case reports of systemic rheumatic disease following silicone prostheses, but no definitive proof of a direct relationship between silicone prostheses and systemic disease. The clinical features of the reported cases following breast augmentation include breast tenderness, axillary adenopathy, sclerodermatous skin changes, arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, rheumatoid factors, and ANAs. Prior epidemiologic evidence and the number and consistency of our own and others' clinical findings suggest that silicone may indeed be associated with inflammatory processes and rheumatic diseases.