Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42645675›Full record

ArticleInsights into imaging2026

Detection of residual fibroglandular tissue on breast MRI and associated factors in women treated with mastectomy and DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

Nieke N P M Smeins, Joep A F van Rooij, Esther M Heuts, Janneke B Houwers, Patty J Nelemans, Stefania M H Tuinder, Thiemo J A van Nijnatten

Abstract read
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Article in Insights into imaging, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Nieke N P M SmeinsDepartment of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, Maastricht, The Netherlands. nieke.smeins@mumc.nl.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0005-4252-3226
Joep A F van RooijGROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Esther M HeutsDepartment of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Janneke B HouwersDepartment of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Patty J NelemansDepartment of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Stefania M H TuinderGROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Thiemo J A van NijnattenDepartment of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre +, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesThis study investigates the frequency, extent and location of residual fibroglandular tissue (RFGT) on breast MRI after mastectomy and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction. Possible risk factors for RFGT and the association with local breast malignancy after mastectomy (i.e. local recurrence or new primary tumour) are explored. MATERIALS AND

methodsThis retrospective, single-centre study included patients after mastectomy followed by DIEP flap reconstruction, who underwent breast MRI during follow-up between 2007 and 2022. Breast MRI exams were reassessed for the presence, diameter and location of RFGT. Relative risk was calculated to identify associated factors for RFGT. To investigate the possible association with malignancy after mastectomy, an explorative survival analysis was performed.

resultsSeventy-three patients were included (mean age 45 years, range 21-68), of which 66 were diagnosed with breast cancer. RFGT was detected in twenty (27.4%) patients, with a mean diameter of 13.5 mm (range 6-31), most frequently located in the upper outer quadrant of the breast. Tumour grade 3 seemed to be associated with increased risk of RFGT (RR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1-6.6, p = 0.050). After a median follow-up time of 110.0 months (range 14-354), malignancy after mastectomy had occurred in thirteen patients; this risk was non-significantly higher in patients with RFGT (HR = 2.3, 95% CI: 0.769-6.827, p = 0.137).

conclusionRFGT is frequently detected on breast MRI after mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction. A baseline postoperative breast MRI exam could possibly be relevant to detect RFGT. The potential association with higher risk of malignancies after mastectomy warrants further investigation. KEY POINTS: Question research on RFGT detection after autologous reconstruction remains limited; therefore, this study investigates RFGT extent, location, risk factors, and association with malignancy. Findings RFGT could be detected on breast MRI in 27.4% of patients after DIEP flap reconstruction and might potentially be associated with an increased post-mastectomy malignancy risk. Critical relevance RFGT can frequently be detected on breast MRI following mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction and might be relevant for oncological safety. Future research is needed to validate this and assess the value of a postoperative baseline breast MRI for RFGT detection.

Indexed as

BreastMagnetic resonance imagingMammaplastyMastectomyPerforator flap

Identifiers

PMID42645675
PMCPMC13518751

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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.