CT findings of accidental fish bone ingestion and its complications

Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Perforated Appendicitis Caused by a Fish Bone: A Case Report

Foreign body ingestion is relatively common, with most objects passing through the gastrointestinal tract without complications. However, some foreign bodies can cause gastrointestinal perforation, leading to severe complications. Fish bone-induced gastrointestinal perforation is relatively common in regions with high fish consumption, but appendiceal perforation remains extremely rare and diagnostically challenging. We report a case of a 76-year-old male patient who presented with worsening lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a swollen appendix (16 mm) with a high-density area and surrounding fat stranding, confirming acute appendicitis caused by appendicolith. Emergency laparoscopic appendectomy revealed a markedly swollen appendix with a central perforation. A 10-mm wedge-shaped fish bone was identified within the appendiceal lumen, confirming fish bone-induced perforated appendicitis. Histopathological examination confirmed severe inflammation with focal necrosis. Postoperative multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images revealed a wedge-shaped hyperdense linear structure within the appendix, which was identified as a fish bone. Fish bone-induced perforated appendicitis is a rare but important differential diagnosis in regions with high fish consumption. A detailed dietary history and careful review of MPR images on CT are essential for accurate preoperative diagnosis. Early recognition and laparoscopic surgical intervention can prevent severe complications and improve patient outcomes.

Small bowel perforation caused by a fish bone in a patient with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case report

Management of gastrointestinal perforation in patients with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is clinically challenging. A male in his 40s with vEDS presented with right lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a foreign body in the ileum with bowel perforation. A detailed inquiry revealed that he had consumed codfish six days prior. Based on these findings, he was diagnosed with a small bowel perforation caused by a fish bone. Emergency laparotomy was performed and intraoperative findings showed a fish bone in the ileum penetrating the mesentery. We resected ~5 cm of the small intestine, including the perforation site. Although the patient experienced postoperative paralytic ileus, he was discharged on postoperative Day 27. Gastrointestinal perforation caused by fish bones in patients with vEDS is extremely rare and requires careful assessment to determine the appropriate treatment. For surgeons, an individualized surgical strategy and optimal perioperative management are important to prevent fatal complications.

Accidental Fish Bone Ingestion Leading to Gastric Perforation: A Diagnostic Challenge

Accidental ingestion of animal bones, including fish bones, often goes unnoticed and rarely leads to acute medical complications. However, in rare cases, fish bones can perforate the gastrointestinal tract, causing serious complications such as perforation, abscess formation, or fistula development, necessitating emergent surgical intervention. This case report describes a rare case of gastric perforation by a fish bone ingestion, complicated by perigastric and hepatic abscesses. The patient initially presented to a rural emergency department with acute abdominal pain, where limited imaging resources posed a diagnostic challenge. After repeated rural emergency department presentations, a definitive diagnosis was only established after the patient was transferred to a tertiary center and evaluated using computed tomography (CT) imaging. This helped to guide appropriate surgical management, and an emergency laparotomy was performed, which was followed by an uneventful recovery. We emphasize the critical role of CT imaging in diagnosing fish bone perforation, discuss common sites of perforation, and highlight the need to consider this pathology as a differential diagnosis in patients with undifferentiated abdominal pain.

Imaging approach to ingested foreign bodies in the neck

Foreign body ingestion is a common clinical occurrence worldwide, with high morbidity in the pediatric population and in adult patients with intentional attempts. Coins and button battery ingestions are more common among children. Bone impaction and swallowed dentures are usually seen in older adults. While most ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously with no complications, some require endoscopic and/or surgical intervention. Complications such as pharyngoesophageal ulceration, perforation, stricture, and deep neck infection can develop without timely diagnosis and management. The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with the imaging approach to assess for characteristics and impacted locations of ingested foreign bodies in the neck.

CT diagnosis and laparoscopic treatment of hepatic abscess secondary to fish bone transmigration through the stomach wall

Accidental ingestion of fish bones can potentially lead to serious complications like perforation of the alimentary tract and the formation of abscesses in adjacent organs. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of the etiology of hepatic abscesses is critical to prevent clinical deterioration and poor outcomes. Notably, fish bones can be subtle in imaging studies and erroneously interpreted as calcifications, vessels, or artifacts potentially delaying diagnosis and management. Further complicating medical management, fish bones can be seeded with oral microflora which may not be effectively targeted by empiric antibiotics. Patients presenting with an occult hepatic abscess often have repeated visits to the emergency department with vague symptomology and abdominal pain without recollection of any precipitating events. In this case report, a multidisciplinary approach, including a high index of suspicion applied to CT imaging, was vital in identifying a foreign body within an abscess localized between the greater curvature of the stomach and left liver lobe. The foreign body, mimicking an intraperitoneal calcification, was a fish bone that had transmigrated through the stomach wall into the liver lobe. Once identified, definitive treatment included laparoscopic drainage of the abscess, extraction of the foreign body, and coverage with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Radiopaque properties of polyetheretherketone crown at laboratory study

OBJECTIVES

There have been no reports on the radiopaque properties of new polyetheretherketone (PEEK) crowns for locating crowns during accidental ingestion or aspiration and detection of secondary caries, which is essential information for clinical application. This study aimed to investigate whether the radiopaque properties of PEEK crowns could be used to identify the site of accidental ingestion or aspiration and detect secondary caries.

METHODS

Four types of crowns were fabricated: three non-metal crowns (PEEK, hybrid resin, and zirconia) and one full metal cast crown (gold-silver-palladium alloy). Initially, the images for these crowns were compared using intraoral radiography, chest radiography, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT); computed tomography (CT) values were calculated. Subsequently, the images for the crowns placed on the secondary caries model with two artificial cavities were compared using intraoral radiography.

RESULTS

The PEEK crowns displayed the lowest radiopaque properties on radiography and very few artifacts were observed on CBCT and MDCT. On the other hand, the CT values of the PEEK crowns were a little lower than those of the hybrid resin crowns and considerably lower than the zirconia and full metal cast crowns. The cavity could be detected in the PEEK crown-placed secondary caries model through intraoral radiography.

CONCLUSIONS

This simulated study of radiopaque properties with four types of crowns suggested that a radiographic imaging system can be used to identify the site of accidental ingestion and aspiration of PEEK crowns and to detect secondary caries of the abutment tooth within a PEEK crown.

Imaging spectrum of non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the duodenum: a pictorial review

Given its crucial location at the crossroads of the gastrointestinal tract, the hepatobiliary system and the splanchnic vessels, the duodenum can be affected by a wide spectrum of abnormalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, in conjunction with endoscopy, are often performed to evaluate these conditions, and several duodenal pathologies can be identified on fluoroscopic studies. Since many conditions affecting this organ are asymptomatic, the role of imaging cannot be overemphasized. In this article we will review the imaging features of many conditions affecting the duodenum, focusing on cross-sectional imaging studies, including congenital malformations, such as annular pancreas and intestinal malrotation; vascular pathologies, such as superior mesenteric artery syndrome; inflammatory and infectious conditions; trauma; neoplasms and iatrogenic complications. Because of the complexity of the duodenum, familiarity with the duodenal anatomy and physiology as well as the imaging features of the plethora of conditions affecting this organ is crucial to differentiate those conditions that could be managed medically from the ones that require intervention.

Intra-Abdominal Abscess of Unusual Origin

This article describes the case of a woman who unknowingly swallowed several fishbones, one of which perforated the intestinal wall and subsequently formed an intra-abdominal abscess due to the foreign body reaction.

Submucosal protuberance caused by a fish bone in the absence of preoperative positive signs: A case report

BACKGROUND

Submucosal protuberance caused by fish bone insertion into the digestive tract has rarely been reported. These cases usually include patients with clear signs such as a history of fish intake, pain, and dysphagia, as well as positive findings on endoscopy and imaging. Here, we report a case of a fish bone hidden in the submucosal protuberance of the gastric antrum during endoscopic submucosal dissection without preoperative obvious positive signs.

CASE SUMMARY

A 58-year-old woman presented with epigastric pain for the past 20 d and a submucosal protuberance. Abdominal computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography did not indicate the presence of a fish bone. We assumed the cause to be an ordinary submucosal eminence and performed an endoscopic submucosal dissection to confirm its essence. During the operation, a fish bone approximately 20 mm in length was found incidentally.

CONCLUSION

Our report could potentially prevent the oversight of embedded fish bones and associated adverse effects in patients with similar presentation.

Liver abscess in the caudate lobe caused by a fishbone and treated by laparoscopy: a case report

Background

Ingestion of fish bones leading to gastric perforation and inducing abscess formation in the caudate lobe of the liver is very rare.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old man presented to our hospital with a 2-day history of subxiphoid pain. There were no specific symptoms other than pain. Laboratory tests showed only an increase in the number and percentage of neutrophils. Contrast-enhanced Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed two linear dense opacities in the gastric cardia, one of which penetrated the stomach and was adjacent to the caudate lobe of the liver, with inflammatory changes in the caudate lobe. We finally diagnosed his condition as a caudate lobe abscess secondary to intestinal perforation caused by a fishbone based on the history and imaging findings. The patient underwent 3D laparoscopic partial caudate lobectomy, incision and drainage of the liver abscess, and fishbone removal. The procedure was successful and we removed the fishbone from the liver. The patient was discharged on the 9th postoperative day without other complications.

Conclusions

Liver abscess caused by foreign bodies requires multidisciplinary treatment. Especially when located in the caudate lobe, we must detect and remove the cause of the abscess as early as possible. Foreign bodies that perforate the gastrointestinal tract can penetrate to the liver and cause abscess formation, as in this case. When exploring the etiology of liver abscesses, we should investigate the general condition, including the whole gastrointestinal tract.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-021-01457-z.

Diagnostic Performance of Digital Radiograph and Low-Dose Computed Tomography for the Diagnosis of Fishbone Retention in the Oropharynx

Introduction  Fishbone foreign body retention is one of the most common problem with various clinical manifestations from asymptomatic, abscess formation, and perforation to mediastinitis with subsequence morbidity and mortality. Accurately identifying the location of the fishbone leads to precise removal, which, in turn, prevents serious consequences. Digital radiographs have been widely used for diagnosis, but many studies show poor sensitivity.

Object  The present study was designed to compare the diagnostic performances of digital radiograph and low-dose computed tomography (CT) for fishbone retention and to demonstrate the radiation dose of the two modalities.

Methods  We collected 2 pieces of fishbone from each of the 15 species commonly eaten in Southeast Asia. We embedded each fishbone in a fresh pig's neck, then subjected the pig's neck to lateral soft tissue neck digital radiograph. The locations to embed included tonsil, base of tongue, and upper esophagus. Then, we subjected the same specimen to a CT scan. Two experienced radiologists interpreted each image.

Results  Visibility in the digital radiograph group was 13%, and in CT images group, it was 87% regardless of the locations. The average radiation dose from digital radiographs was 0.4 mGy (radiation dose field), while from CT images it was 8.6 mGy (CT dose index).

Conclusion  Most of the common fishbones in Southeast Asia could not be visualized by digital radiograph when embedded in the neck. Computed tomography scans demonstrated better diagnostic performance of fishbone retention compared to digital radiographs, regardless of the embedded location.

Terminal ileal micro-perforation from an ingested fish bone incidentally diagnosed with 111In-leukocyte scintigraphy in an asymptomatic patient

¹¹¹In-leukocyte scintigraphy has generally been considered a sensitive diagnostic test for the evaluation of infectious or inflammatory processes in the abdomen due to a lack of normal physiologic bowel activity. Herein we present a case of a patient status post endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm for which an ¹¹¹In-leukocyte scan was ordered to assess for graft infection. Planar imaging revealed an abnormal focus of radiotracer activity in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. A SPECT-CT obtained to further delineate the anatomic location of abnormal activity showed abnormal leukocyte activity localizing to the terminal ileum secondary to a micro-perforation from an ingested fishbone. This case underscores the principle that in the absence of known intra-abdominal pathology, ¹¹¹In-leukocyte activity in the abdomen should always be considered abnormal, and that further evaluation with dedicated cross-sectional imaging should be performed to assist with the localization of abnormal activity.

Abdominal CT manifestations in fish bone foreign body injuries: What the radiologist needs to know

Fish bone is one of the most common foreign body ingestions encountered in the emergency department. Fish bone perforations occur most commonly in segments with acute angulation like the ileocecal region and rectosigmoid junction and can present acutely with obstruction and free air or with chronic complications like abscess and sepsis. Radiologists should be familiar with the high-risk clinical scenarios, the CT appearance of radiopaque fishbones, and the spectrum of imaging findings related to gastrointestinal (GI) tract so as to direct management and timely referral to GI endoscopists and surgeons.

Chronic intentional chicken bone ingestion mimicking inflammatory bowel disease

Ingestion of food by-products, such as peach pits, chicken bones and fish bones, may lead to intestinal complications. The ingestion of the foreign body is often acute and non-intentional. Acute and life-threatening complications include intestinal perforation or obstruction. Sharp-pointed objects are associated with an estimated 35% rate of complications within the gastrointestinal tract prior to passage and require prompt removal. Endoscopic retrieval is often recommended if foreign objects have not transited beyond the proximal duodenum. We present a unique case of a previously healthy 23-year-old male suffering months of abdominal pain. While the initial presentation and imaging were suspicious for Crohn's disease, the endoscopic findings were unexpected. Numerous chicken bone fragments were clustered in the caecum and in the terminal ileum. The distal terminal ileum was edematous and ulcerated. Subsequent patient history revealed years of chronic and intentional foreign body consumption with recent onset of abdominal pain.

Successful colonoscopic removal of a foreign body that caused sigmoid colon perforation: a case report

Large bowel perforation is an acute abdominal emergency requiring rapid diagnosis for proper treatment. The high mortality rate associated with large bowel perforation underlines the importance of an accurate and timely diagnosis. Computed tomography is useful for diagnosis of ingested foreign bodies, and endoscopic repair using clips can be an effective treatment of colon perforations. We herein describe a 78-year-old man with sigmoid colon perforation caused by accidental swallowing of a jujube pit. The jujube pit had become stuck in the wall of the sigmoid colon and was successfully removed by colonoscopy, avoiding an aggressive surgery. As a result of developments in endoscopic techniques, endoscopic closure has become a feasible option for the management of intestinal perforation.

Fishbone-Induced Appendicitis: A Case Report

Fishbone ingestion is quite common. Most of the time, patients are asymptomatic and the fish bone exits the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously. However, in some rare cases, it can drop in the appendix and induce appendicitis or even appendicitis with perforation. Herein, we report the unusual case of an 18-year-old woman, who presented with acute right lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography suggested the presence of acute appendicitis with a linear foreign body of 3 cm in length. The patient underwent an open appendectomy and removal of the fish bone without stigmata of perforation. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Fish bone perforation of the small bowel: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Fish bone is one of the most common accidently ingested foreign bodies. Normally, it is eliminated from the gastrointestinal (GI) system without any symptomatology, only 1% of the cases will develop a perforation of the GI tract requiring surgical intervention.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 70-year-old man, presented with a 48h evolving abdominal pain, important abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and a last bowel movement reported 2 days ago, The abdomino-pelvic CT-scan objectified a distension of the terminal ileum measured at 30mm, The exploration revealed a sharp foreign body,at the 15 proximal centimeters of the terminal ileum, which penetrated through the wall of the ileum. The foreign body was removed and we noticed that it is a fish bone. The patient recovered well.

DISCUSSION

Clinical manifestations are determined by the location of the perforation and the preoperative diagnosis is always difficult to reach. Computed tomography (CT) scan is the indicated method to identify ingested foreign bodies and surgery is the treatment of choice.

CONCLUSION

Delay in diagnosis and treatment can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of aerodigestive tract foreign bodies in the adult population: Part 1

In the adult population, foreign bodies may be accidentally or intentionally ingested or even inserted into a body cavity. The majority of accidentally ingested foreign bodies pass through the alimentary tract without any complications and rarely require intervention. Accidentally ingested foreign bodies are usually fish bones, bones of other animals, and dentures. Oesophageal food impaction is the commonest cause of oesophageal foreign bodies in the Western hemisphere. Intentionally ingested foreign bodies may be organic or inorganic, and often require intervention; these patients have either underlying psychological or mental disease or are involved in illegal activities such as body packing, which involves trafficking narcotics. Imaging plays a crucial role in not only identifying the type, number and location of the foreign body but also in excluding any complications. In this comprehensive pictorial review, we provide an overview of the spectrum of foreign bodies ingested in adults, emphasising the role of various imaging modalities, their limitations and common foreign body mimickers on imaging.

A case of a common bile duct stone that formed around a fish bone as a nidus after distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction

Background

The presence of a foreign body in the common bile duct (CBD) is a rare phenomenon. Thus, the route and mechanism of its migration remain difficult to fully clarify, especially for cases that occur after gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Herein, we present a case of a CBD stone that formed around a fish bone as a nidus subsequent to distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to repeated episodes of epigastralgia. He had undergone distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer approximately 10 years prior. Blood tests revealed obstructive jaundice, hepatobiliary dysfunction, and inflammation. Multi-plane reconstructed computed tomography (CT) revealed a CBD stone with a needle-shaped calcification density at the center, oriented along the length of the CBD. Surgery was performed using an upper median laparotomy approach. Lithotomy with choledochotomy was performed to remove one fragile bilirubin stone that had formed around a 3-cm, needle-shaped fish bone. A choledochoduodenal fistula was not detected intraoperatively. A review of the imaging of a prior examination revealed that the formation of the CBD stone around the fish bone was observable on a follow-up CT performed approximately 2 years prior. However, no clinical symptoms associated with the migration of the fish bone to the CBD were reported and the fish bone was not detected at that time.

Conclusion

In this case, transpapillary migration of the fish bone could only be speculated in the absence of an observable fistula, choledochostomy, or any clinical symptoms. Our case is clinically relevant as cholangitis developed after CBD stone formation around the fish bone that acted as a nidus.

Fish bone induced bronchial artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with underlying bronchiectasis—a case report

Background

Fish bones are the most common cause of accidental foreign body ingestion, especially in Asian and Mediterranean nations. In most cases, the fish bones pass through the alimentary tract without any complications and rarely require any intervention. Less than 5% of the patients with accidentally ingested fish bones develop complications. In this report, we present the first documented case of a fish bone induced bronchial artery pseudoaneurysm in an elderly male with underlying bronchiectasis; the latter recognized as a risk factor for developing bronchial artery hypertrophy.

Case presentation

We report a case of a fish bone induced bronchial artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with underlying bronchiectasis. The vascular complication induced by the fish bone was identified only on intravenous contrast CT and would not have been identified on plain CT alone. The patient underwent bronchial artery embolization, following which the fish bone was dis-impacted endoscopically.

Conclusions

Intravenous post contrast chest CT may have an important role in the evaluation of accidental fish bone ingestion, especially in patients with underlying lung diseases, as vascular complications are most often overt on a non-contrast CT study.

Fishbone perforation of the small bowel mimicking internal herniation and obstruction in a patient with previous gastric bypass surgery

Intestinal perforation following the ingestion of fishbone is unusual and rarely diagnosed preoperatively, as clinical and radiological findings are non-specific. We report a case of a female patient post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) for obesity, who presented with severe abdominal pain and guarding in left iliac fossa. Computed tomography (CT) suggested internal herniation with compromised vascular supply to the bowel. Exploratory laparotomy identified a perforation site in the blind loop of the RYGBP due to a protruding fishbone. After extraction, primary suture repair was performed. In retrospect, the fishbone was identified on CT but misinterpreted as suture line at the enteroenterostomy site. This case emphasizes that although rare, the ingestion of fishbone can lead to severe complications and should therefore be included in the differential for an acute abdomen. On CT, it should be noted that fishbone may simulate suture line within the bowel if the patient has history of previous surgery.

Abdominal skin inflammation as an initial symptom of a perforating gastric foreign body: A case report

RATIONALE

Foreign bodies are frequently ingested, but only approximately 1% of them cause perforation. Perforations in the lesser curvature of the stomach are exceedingly rare. Here, we report a case of gastric perforation in the lesser curvature caused by a foreign body. The patient presented to the clinic complaining of abdominal skin swelling and reddening with upper abdominal discomfort as the initial symptoms.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 83-year-old female presented with a mass in the middle of the epigastrium for 10 days. Physical examination found an apparent local tenderness and inflammatory mass in the upper abdominal wall. Her body temperature was normal (37.5°C) and the white blood cell count was elevated (8.12 × 10/L [reference value 3.5-9.5 × 10/L]).

DIAGNOSES

The ultrasound examination of the abdomen revealed a 4 cm strip-like hyperechoic object entangled in the muscles of the abdominal wall. The computed tomography scan revealed a thin strip of bone-like hyperdense shadow. Intraoperative findings showed a sharp fishbone protruding from the lesser curvature of the stomach into the abdominal cavity, part of which remained in the gastric cavity. The postoperative pathological report revealed chronic suppurative inflammation with abscess and sinus canal formation.

INTERVENTIONS & OUTCOMES

The patient underwent a gastric foreign body removal with partial gastrectomy. Anti-inflammatory treatment post-surgery rapidly relieved the patient's symptoms of discomfort in the upper abdomen. At the 1-month follow-up, the patient showed no discomfort in the upper abdomen and the inflammatory mass was no longer present.

LESSONS

A foreign body had penetrated through the lesser curvature of the stomach, an area with a flat gastric wall, which occurs infrequently. In such cases, computed tomography is the gold standard for diagnosis of foreign bodies in the digestive tract. Ultrasound can also be used as a supplemental diagnostic technique. It is recommended that people who wear dentures should exercise caution while eating, especially when the food contains bones.

Fish bone perforation mimicking colon cancer: A case report

Most patients who ingest fish bones do not develop any complications. The small proportion of patients who do complicate, present with non-specific symptoms. A 64-year-old female patient presented with a 2-month history of abdominal pain. Following clinical evaluation and computed tomography scan of the abdomen, a provisional diagnosis of colon cancer was made. Histology of the resected bowel at hemicolectomy demonstrated a perforation by fish bone with an associated abscess. The case illustrates how fish bone perforation may mislead unsuspecting clinicians and may be misdiagnosed as colonic cancer.

Toothpick-a rare cause of bowel perforation: case report and literature review

Bowel perforation is an emergency condition. Common causes of bowel perforation include infection, infarction, radiation enteritis, Crohn's disease, and cancer. Ingested foreign body causing bowel perforation is rare. Wooden toothpick-related injuries are uncommon. We report a case of ileal perforation caused by ingested wooden toothpick preoperatively diagnosed by ultrasound and computed tomography.

Teach a man to fillet: gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal complications related to fish bone ingestion

Accidental ingestion of fish bone is a common occurrence in populations that consume unfilleted fish. Although most ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully within a week, less than 1% of patients unfortunately develop gastrointestinal perforation. Occasionally, some patients who are unaware of an episode of fish bone ingestion may present sub-acutely with symptoms mimicking inflammatory conditions or pyrexia of unknown origin. Computed tomography (CT) is the definitive imaging modality in the diagnosis of fish bone foreign body and its complications. This pictorial essay aims to illustrate the various complications related to fish bone ingestion, broadly divided into gastrointestinal related complications and extra-gastrointestinal complications related to migration of fish bone. Radiologists should be familiar with the myriad of possible complications, and take heed that a relevant history of fish bone ingestion is often absent.

Emergency CT of abdominal complications of ingested fish bones: what not to miss

Fish bones are the most commonly ingested structures and the most common cause of foreign body perforation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Clinical presentation of foreign body GIT perforation is nonspecific, in many cases with clinical signs of acute abdomen, which can mimic appendicitis, diverticulitis, ulcer peptic disease, and other common inflammatory conditions. Besides, patients commonly do not refer that a fish bone was swallowed. Since this condition is usually not suspected by referring physicians of the emergency department (ED), radiologists play a key role in this diagnosis; the spectrum of these imaging features must be known in order to be accurately reported in the ED.

Appendicitis-mimicking presentation in fishbone induced microperforation of the distal duodenum: A case report

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal fishbone microperforations are rare and not commonly reported in medical literature. Despite the increasing use of computer tomography (CT) imaging and the employment of the Alvardo criteria, misdiagnosis of acute appendicitis can still occur. We report the rare case of an elderly Chinese gentleman who had a fish-bone induced microperforation of the duodenum that closely mimicked the symptoms of acute appendicitis.

CASE SUMMARY

This 79-year-old man presented with migratory lower abdominal pain that localized at his periumbilical region and right lower quadrant. He had associated pyrexia, general malaise and was noted to have an elevated white cell count. CT investigations initially revealed a distended appendix which was resected laparoscopically but showed no obvious signs of gross inflammation. The patient then deteriorated clinically and had increased oxygen requirements immediately after the surgery. This prompted further investigations. A further review of his CT scan revealed a fine fishbone microperforation in the distal duodenum associated with retroperitoneal abscess formation and seepage extending into the right lower quadrant. He was then started on broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics and subsequently underwent a laparotomy 12 h later to manage the obscure aetiology and to drain the abscess. The post-operative course was uneventful and he was discharged 11 d later including a 2-d stay in the intensive care unit.

CONCLUSION

This case offers an insight into a potential mimic of acute appendicitis and the diagnostic difficulties experienced in such presentations.

Computed Tomography Findings of Emergency Cases Resulting From Fish Bone Ingestion

Fish bones are some of the most commonly ingested foreign bodies. In most cases, fish bone ingestion is asymptomatic, and the bones are expelled from the body spontaneously. Otherwise, patients with fish bone ingestion can present to the emergency department with nonspecific symptoms. Fish bones can become impacted in various part of the body. Even in cases that are initially asymptomatic after ingestion, serious complications may develop at a later stage. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in the diagnosis of fish bone ingestion because it is the most sensitive modality for detecting these foreign bodies. It is important to be familiar with CT findings to detect ingested fish bones and the related complications and to direct further management of the condition.

Development of an abdominal wall abscess caused by fish bone ingestion: a case report

Background

A small percentage of patients with foreign body ingestion develop complications, which have a variety of clinical presentations. Less than 1% of cases require surgical intervention. We present a patient with an abdominal wall abscess resulting from a fish bone that pierced the cecum. The patient was treated laparoscopically.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old Japanese man presented to our hospital with a complaint of right lower abdominal pain. A physical examination revealed tenderness, swelling, and redness at the right iliac fossa. Computed tomography showed a low-density area with rim enhancement in his right internal oblique muscle and a hyperdense 20 mm-long pointed object in the wall of the adjacent cecum. Based on the findings we suspected an abdominal wall abscess resulting from a migrating ingested fish bone. He was administered antibiotics as conservative treatment, and the abscess was not seen on subsequent computed tomography.

Two months after the initial treatment, he presented with the same symptoms, and a computed tomography scan showed the foreign body in the same location as before with the same low-density area. We diagnosed the low-density area as recurrence of the abdominal wall abscess. He underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove the foreign body. His appendix, and part of his cecum and the parietal peritoneum that included the foreign body, were resected. He had an uneventful postoperative course, and at 1 year after the surgery, the abdominal wall abscess had not recurred.

Conclusions

An abdominal wall abscess developed in association with the migration of an ingested fish bone. We suggest that a laparoscopic surgical resection of the portion of the bowel that includes the foreign body is a useful option for selected cases.

The utility of lateral neck radiographs in the management of fish bones

BACKGROUND

Lateral neck radiographs are commonly used in the investigation and management of patients presenting with suspected fish bone impaction. The effectiveness of these is questioned, as many fish do not have radio-opaque bones.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the utility of lateral neck radiographs in the management of patients presenting with fish bones retained in the upper aerodigestive tract, with the creation of a treatment algorithm to guide further management.

METHODS

An audit of practice was undertaken at the University Hospital of Southampton, identifying all patients admitted with potential fish bone impaction in the upper aerodigestive tract. Following analysis, a treatment algorithm was constructed for use by junior doctors.

RESULTS

In total, 34 per cent of patients with a normal radiograph were subsequently found to have a fish bone present under local or general anaesthetic assessment. The sensitivity of radiographs in the detection of fish bones was found to be 51.6 per cent.

CONCLUSION

Lateral neck radiographs have limited value in the management of suspected fish bone impaction, and should only be used following detailed clinical examination of the upper aerodigestive tract.

Ongoing Computed Tomography Appraisal of Intestinal Perforation Due to an Ingested Foreign Body

BACKGROUND Diagnosis and management of accidental or intentional ingestion of foreign bodies is a common problem at in emergency departments. This condition is generally observed in patients with limited consciousness or attention, such as children, elders, or psychiatric patients. Here, we report a case of intestinal perforation caused by ingestion of a foreign body that occurred during the performance of a contrast-enhanced CT scan. CASE REPORT A 73-year-old diabetic woman was admitted to the emergency room of our hospital with postprandial abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Under the suspicion of bowel ischemia, the patient underwent a contrast-enhanced CT scan. A thickened ileal loop with an endoluminal bone-density foreign body was detected. The following contrast-enhanced acquisitions additionally showed air bubbles adjacent to the loop, as the sign of an intestinal perforation that occurred between the basal and the contrast-enhanced acquisitions. CONCLUSIONS Caution should be always exercised in patients with suspected gastrointestinal perforation, especially if caused by ingested foreign bodies. A high degree of suspicion and a CT scan may prevent delays in the diagnosis and clinical management of these patients.

Abdominal manifestations of fishbone perforation: a pictorial essay

PURPOSE

The present article provides an overview of the spectrum of abdominal presentations of fishbone (FB) ingestion and its complications.

METHODS

In image data from 9 patients, FB perforations were found in different levels of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including duodenal, jejunal, and sigmoid perforations; in 4 asymptomatic patients, FBs were observed in the mesentery, falciform ligament, and intestinal bowel.

RESULTS

The main imaging features of FB perforation were focal gastric or intestinal wall thickening, fat stranding, bowel obstruction, ascites, localized pneumoperitoneum, intra-abdominal abscess, liver abscess, and a linear hyperdense structure in the abdominal cavity in the GIT or within a parenchymal organ often surrounded by inflammatory changes. Free pneumoperitoneum was rare.

CONCLUSION

Although in most cases, a FB does not cause any serious complications, an inflammatory process and complications may occur when it perforates the stomach or bowel loops. Radiologists need to be aware of the possibility of FB perforation, especially in high-risk patients, because it is not always considered in the differential diagnosis by referring physicians and can mimic other inflammatory conditions and tumoral lesions.

Small Bowel Obstruction Caused by the Ingestion of a Wooden Toothpick: The CT findings and a Literature Review

We present a case in which the accidental ingestion of a toothpick caused duodenal perforation and small intestinal obstruction. A 58-year-old man visited our emergency room with acute abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) showed obstructive ileus as well as a foreign body penetrating the duodenum, which was identified as a toothpick and removed endoscopically. Unenhanced CT was superior in detecting the object. The patient has been doing well since the operation.