Retained foreign body not detected by imaging methods

Authors : Mustafa Çiftçi, Muhammet Gökhan Turtay, Naim Hikmet Kalkan, Furkan Tayiz

Pages : 59-61

Doi:10.33706/jemcr.1649385

View : 42 | Download : 34

Publication Date : 2025-06-29

Article Type : Other Papers

Abstract :Introduction: In this case presentation, we aimed to present a case of a retained foreign body in the gluteal region of a male child that was overlooked in imaging methods. Case report: An 11-year-old male child was brought to the emergency department by his family after reporting that a splinter had entered his left inner hip area while sliding on a slanted board they had placed to play. A lesion was detected on the left inner hip area, where the patient indicated pain, potentially corresponding to the point of entry. However, no foreign object or hardness was felt upon examination. A superficial ultrasound (US) examination was performed, and no pathology was found in the lesion site or the surrounding area. As the patient\\\'s severe pain persisted, a pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan was conducted. The pelvic CT scan revealed air densities in the region of the skin lesion, but no other pathology was identified. Later, due to the continuation of the patient’s complaints, the area was done repeat physical examination along the air densities starting from the skin lesion. During this examination, a hardness was detected under the skin on the upper outer side of the right hip, at the end of the tract originating from the skin lesion. An incision was made at the site of the palpable hardness. Upon finding a foreign object, the child was made consultation to the pediatric surgery department. The foreign body, measuring approximately 35x0.8 cm, was then removed in a procedure performed by the pediatric surgery team. Conclusion: In cases of retained foreign body, although imaging methods such as US and CT are important for diagnosis, it should be remembered that in rare cases where imaging methods are not helpful, a thorough history and physical examination remain the most effective approach.
Keywords : Bilgisayalı tomografi, yabancı cisim, ultrasonografi.

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