CT-guided mapping in the removal of an impalpable, radiopaque foreign body in subcutaneous tissue: a case report. (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Omori, Naoko; Ueda, Takuya; Mitsukawa, Nobuyuki
• Is Part Of: Journal of wound care. Volume 29:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 424
• Page End: 426
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: angiographic catheter -- computed tomography -- foreign body -- grids -- soft tissue; Wounds and injuries -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2020.29.7.424
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-0700

Abstract

Abstract : Small fragments sometimes penetrate the soft tissue, and their depth and location can be difficult to determine accurately. This case study describes localisation of a thin, short wire that had penetrated the soft tissue of a 24-year-old man's back, using computed tomography (CT) with a reference grid made with an angiographic catheter. The axial non-contrast-enhanced CT scan with the grid placed over the affected body part surveyed by the CT scout view showed that the foreign body was buried in fascia 7cm from a puncture wound. Surgical removal of the foreign body was then performed without any sequelae. CT with the use of external references that do not cause metal artefacts is a simple and helpful procedure in localising radiopaque foreign bodies.