Clinical use of perioperative magnetic resonance imaging-based breast volumetric analysis in final implant volume prediction for two-stage breast reconstruction

This study investigated MRI-based breast volumetric analysis for predicting final implant volume in two-stage breast reconstruction. Including 140 patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction from 2017 to 2019, MRI images were converted into 3D images using A-VIEW by Coreline Soft. Volumes were measured preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Results showed that volume differences were maximal at 1 month and minimal at 1 year. The correlation between MRI-based preoperative volumetry and mastectomy specimen volume was 0.611. Minimal volume difference was noted between MRI-based preoperative state and implant volume at 1 year. A predictive formula for final implant size based on 1-year postoperative volume was developed (P < 0.001, R² = 0.594). The study concludes that MRI-based volumetry provides a scientific and objective approach for breast reconstruction planning, offering a useful method to avoid reliance on the surgeon’s subjective assessment.