A case of a periprosthetic abscess simulating breast implant rupture is pre
sented. Both clinical findings and film-screen mammography suggested extrav
asation of a radiodense material adjacent to an implant. Ultrasonography wa
s thought to confirm the extraluminal silicone. However, at surgery the mas
s was found to be a breast abscess that had herniated through the capsule.
The double-lumen implant outer saline-filled chamber had deflated, but the
silicone-containing inner chamber was intact. Magnetic resonance imaging wo
uld have distinguished between abscess and silicone.