Which term is the ultrasound-based sign used to denote rupture?

• A. Step ladder sign - US
• B. Linguini sign - MRI
• C. Intra-capsular implant rupture
• D. Intracapsular implant rupture

Answer: (A)

This question focuses on imaging signs of silicone breast implant rupture and which sign is specifically seen on ultrasound. The step ladder sign is the ultrasound hallmark of intracapsular rupture. When the implant shell ruptures but remains within the fibrous capsule, the collapsed shell creates several parallel echogenic lines inside the implant, producing a ladder-like appearance. This ultrasound pattern directly indicates that the rupture is confined within the capsule.

The linguine sign is an MRI finding, not an ultrasound one, where the collapsed implant shell appears as wavy, indistinct lines within the capsule. The other options describe rupture in broad terms of location (intra- or intracapsular rupture) rather than a distinct ultrasound sign, so they don’t represent the ultrasound-specific sign.

So, the ultrasound-based sign denoting rupture is the step ladder sign.