An unusual case of late hematoma after implant-based breast reconstruction mimicking an anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Late hematoma associated with breast implants used in esthetic and reconstructive breast surgery represents a rare entity. These hematomas do not have a clear etiology, but triggering events like trauma, anticoagulant use, capsule contracture, or chronic inflammation are reported in literature. We describe an 82-year-old patient who developed a unilateral intra-capsular hematoma 19 years after mastectomy and breast reconstruction with McGhan 445 g implant. Differential diagnosis with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) was considered and potential causes of hematoma were evaluated. Constant pressure forces on chest wall were defined as pathophysiological cause. A systematic literature review concerning late hematoma cases was carried out, focusing on late hematoma etiology and various surgical treatments. Level of evidence: Level V, diagnostic study.