• To illustrate the spectrum of imaging findings resultant of foreign bodies (FB) in the gastrointestinal tract on the several imaging modalities, namely conventional radiology, ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT). • To discuss advantages of imaging methods.

• FB are uncommon findings but remain an important reason for attendance at emergency department. • FB may be ingested, inserted into a body cavity or deposited into the body by a traumatic or iatrogenic injury. Most of them pass uneventfully or represent only mild mucosa injury. Nevertheless, perforation, bowel obstruction, fistula, bleeding, abscess formation and peritonitis may occur, depending on the type and size of the object. • Accidental insertion occurs mainly in elderly, pediatric population, persons with decreased palatal sensitivity, patients with psychiatric...

Using iconographic material from our department of the last 10 years, we illustrated and collected the plain abdominal radiography, US and abdominopelvic CT, showing various complications of FB. We have made a selection of the cases according to the rarity of the diagnosis or the complications caused. Our hospital medical records were screened retrospectively and the FB were classified according to the mode of introduction: • Ingestion; • Insertion (transrectal); • Iatrogenic. FB ingestion Incidence The reported incidence of FB causing perforation of the gastrointestinal...

Imaging methods are of paramount importance in identifying and locating the foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing selecting the best therapeutic option, namely conservative, endoscopic, laparoscopic or open surgical methodologies. It is very important for any radiologist to be aware of the typical imaging findings of foreign bodies to select the most appropriate imaging modality for their detection, depending on their nature.

Sónia Raquel Mendes ([email protected]) Department of Radiology University Hospital of Coimbra Portugal

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