Hepatic Silicone Granulomas Secondary to Ruptured Breast Implants: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of hepatic granulomas is vast and includes infections, drugs, immunologic diseases, foreign material exposure, and neoplasia. Silicone, whether directly injected into tissues or used as a filler in breast implants, is known to cause localized granulomatous reactions. It can also migrate to other anatomic locations resulting in granulomatous inflammation at a distance. We report two cases of unsuspected hepatic silicone granulomas in patients undergoing liver biopsy for isolated elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, both with a history of ruptured breast implants. These cases highlight the need for awareness of hepatic silicone granulomas as an etiology of elevated liver enzymes in patients with a history of surgical interventions utilizing silica, such as cosmetic surgery.