Mammography of autologous myocutaneous flaps

Autologous myocutaneous flaps (AMFs) are used increasingly as a method of b reast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer. Autogenous breast reconstruction may be performed with a rectus abdominis, latissimus dorsi, or gluteus maximus myocutaneous flap. Mammographic imaging of AMFs is contr oversial but has been recommended by some authors because mammographic dete ction of nonpalpable local recurrences in AMFs continues to be reported. At mammography, AMFs have a predominantly fatty appearance with variable dens ity due to the muscle component and postoperative scarring. Normal mammogra phic findings include the vascular pedicle, surgical clips, and surgical sc ars, which produce radiopaque Lines in predictable locations. Abnormal mamm ographic findings include fat necrosis appearing as a spiculated mass, nonc alcified or calcified lipid cysts, calcifications, lymph nodes, epidermal m al inclusion cysts, and locally recurrent carcinoma.