MAMMOGRAPHY OF BREASTS IN WHICH CATHETER CUFFS HAVE BEEN RETAINED - NORMAL, INFECTED, AND POSTOPERATIVE APPEARANCES

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this report is to show that Dacron (DuPont, Wilmington, DE) cuffs retained in breasts after the removal of Hickman catheters may result in complications requiring radiographic evaluati on for subsequent management. We also describe potential complications , including infection, associated with a retained cuff and changes aft er the removal of a retained cuff. CONCLUSION, Because of the increase d use of Hickman catheters for central vein access, Dacron cuffs more frequently are retained in breasts and are likely to be seen on mammog rams. Radiologists need to be aware of the mammographic findings of a normal cuff, infected cuff, and the site of a surgically excised cuff.