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While M. avium-intracellulare has received increasing recognition due to its association with AIDS, silicone breast implants have come under increased FDA scrutiny, requiring new safety and efficacy protocols. We report a case of localized M. avium-intracellulare mastitis associated with a breast implant in an immunocompetent, HIV-negative woman who was cured with implant removal and a long course (6 months) of clarithromycin. Serous exudates occurring in association with breast implants should be cultured for acid-fast organisms. Clarithromycin may be a therapeutic adjunct to effectively cure these infections.

A case of Salmonella dublin infection presenting as pathologic rupture of the spleen is reported. Because the incidence of salmonellosis is increasing, the importance of operative and tissue cultures in cases with subcapsular splenic hemorrhage and splenic rupture is stressed. Cephalosporins will be ineffective in salmonellosis, which should be treated with chloramphenicol, ampicillin, or sulfamethoxizole-trimethoprim.

A silicone gel phantom material is described. It can be molded into any shape and it can contain internal cavities. The material is selfsealing allowing the cavities to be filled with liquids. A simple geometric phantom consisting of a rectangular solid with a single internal spherical cavity was fabricated and imaged using MRI, CT, and PET. Properties important for imaging are described.