Learning objectives
To describe US foreign body imaging findings and features depending on its composition.
To quickly and systematically identify the foreign body associated complications.
To recognize the main pitfalls found during the USevaluation of foreign bodies.
Background
Foreign bodies are objects originating outside the body and retained in patient´s tissues due to accidents and injuries.
Patients with penetrating wounds and suspected retained foreign bodies are a common reason of consultation in emergency rooms.
The most common retained materials are wood,
glass and metal (Fig.
1).
General evaluation of punctured wounds and soft tissue lacerations includes:
Detailed history and physical examination.
Radiographic investigation to rule out the presence of a foreign body.
Radiography is useful to demonstrates radiopaque material such as glass,
metal,...
Findings and procedure details
We studied the size,
the depth,
the US characteristics,
the related complications and the US pitfalls of foreign bodies.
We classified the different foreign bodies depending on composition: metal,
glass and vegetal (including wood,
thorn,
cactus).
It has been observed that different materials have characteristic US patterns that are useful in their diagnostic approach.
Most of foreign bodies are linear in shape and they should be visualized in both long and short axis.
If there are doubts about their presence,
comparison with the contralateral side...
Conclusion
US has demonstrated to be the best imaging tool for the diagnosis of retained and superficial foreign bodies.
In our experience,
familiarity with the US appearances of superficial foreign bodies depending on composition can aid assessment.Systematic evaluation for associated complications is decisive to avoid delay in treatment.
Finally,
the potential sources of confusion rarely cause false-positive when the US performer is experienced.
Personal information
Contact details:
Dr.
Elena Marín Díez
Resident in training.Department of Radiology,
Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla.
Av Valdecilla,
25,39008Santander,
Spain.
Email:
[email protected]
Dr.Elena Gallardo Agromayor
Musculoskeletal Radiology Section.
Department of Radiology,
Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla.
Av Valdecilla,
25,
39008Santander,
Spain.
Email:
[email protected]
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