Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40149269›Full record

ArticleCancers2025

Radiological Insights into Acellular Dermal Matrix Integration in Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction: Implications for Cancer Patient Management.

Luciano Mariano, Andrea Lisa, Luca Nicosia, Anna Carla Bozzini, Sergio Miranda, Manuela Bottoni, Valeria Zingarello, Filippo Pesapane, Mario Rietjens, Enrico Cassano

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cancers, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Luciano MarianoBreast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCC, 20141 Milan, Italy.ORCID 0009-0009-7299-161X
Andrea LisaDepartment of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-2134-5633
Luca NicosiaBreast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCC, 20141 Milan, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-3979-8075
Anna Carla BozziniBreast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCC, 20141 Milan, Italy.
Sergio MirandaDepartment of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy.
Manuela BottoniDepartment of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy.ORCID 0000-0003-2690-6655
Valeria ZingarelloDepartment of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy.
Filippo PesapaneBreast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCC, 20141 Milan, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-0374-5054
Mario RietjensDepartment of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy.
Enrico CassanoBreast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCC, 20141 Milan, Italy.ORCID 0000-0002-3437-8939

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundBreast reconstruction (BR) following mastectomy plays a critical role in restoring breast contour and improving patients' quality of life. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have emerged as valuable adjuncts in BR, providing structural support and enhancing soft tissue integration. However, their radiological characteristics remain underexplored, leading to potential misinterpretation and diagnostic challenges. This study aims to evaluate the imaging features of ADM in post-mastectomy patients using conventional imaging modalities, identifying its temporal evolution and clinical implications for radiologists and surgeons. MATERIALS AND

methodsThis single-centre retrospective study included breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy followed by ADM-assisted BR. Patients were monitored using standardised radiological follow-up protocols, including digital mammography (DM) and ultrasound (US), at 6 (T0), 12 (T1), and 18 months (T2) postoperatively. The primary outcomes assessed were the presence and evolution of ADM-related imaging findings, differentiation between normal ADM integration and pathological changes, and the role of different imaging modalities in ADM evaluation.

resultsSixty-three patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent radiological follow-up. At T0, ADM was identified in 16% of cases, primarily as a peri-capsular hypoechoic thickening on US and a linear peri-implant density on DM. At T1, these findings were partially resolved, with 11% of cases still displaying peri-capsular changes. By T2, imaging signs of ADM were further reduced, with only 7% of cases showing residual peri-capsular thickening or pseudonodular formations. No ADM-related complications, graft rejection, or implant loss were detected. These findings suggest a progressive integration of ADM into the host tissue over time, with characteristic imaging changes that must be recognised to avoid misdiagnosis or unnecessary interventions.

conclusionsADM exhibits a dynamic radiological evolution in post-mastectomy BR, with its imaging characteristics gradually fading. Recognising these features is critical for radiologists and surgeons to ensure accurate interpretation and optimised patient management. A structured imaging follow-up protocol, incorporating US as the primary modality and MRI in cases of inconclusive findings, is recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy. Future multicentre studies with extended follow-up and advanced imaging techniques are necessary to refine radiological criteria and further explore ADM integration patterns. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to enhance clinical decision-making, reduce unnecessary interventions, and optimise patient outcomes in ADM-assisted BR.

Indexed as

acellular dermal matrixbreast cancerbreast imagingbreast reconstruction

Identifiers

PMID40149269
PMCPMC11940301

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.