Clinically Unsuspected Foreign Bodies

Abstract

Objective. To show the value of sonography in the detection of clinically unsuspected foreign bodies appearing as soft tissue masses. Methods. High-resolution B-mode and color Doppler sonography was performed in 288 patients referred with superficial soft tissue masses over a period of 2 years. Results. In 8 lesions in 6 patients, sonography showed small curved or linear echogenic structures surrounded by hypoechoic masses characteristic of foreign bodies with granulation tissue. One lesion had increased vascularity on color Doppler sonography. Patients were referred for other imaging studies, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and bone and labeled red blood cell scintigraphy, which did not add relevant information. Three patients underwent surgery; foreign bodies were found in 2, and infected granulation tissue was found in 1. Spontaneous resolutions and no growth of the lesions were seen in the other 2 patients. Conclusions. The possibility of a foreign body should be considered when scanning soft tissue masses even in the absence of a relevant clinical history. Once a foreign body is diagnosed, no further workup is indicated.

High-resolution ultrasound imaging of cutaneous lesions

“…[49] The USG appearance of foreign body is typical and consists of a small, strong reflector surrounded by hypoechoic tissue [Figure 17A and B]. [50] The combination of this appearance and a positive clinical history is virtually pathognomonic of the diagnosis. [4950] HRUS is also useful in the detection of complications of intradermal and subcutaneous foreign bodies like abscesses, draining sinus tracts, apart from guiding the removal of foreign bodies.…”

“…[50] The combination of this appearance and a positive clinical history is virtually pathognomonic of the diagnosis. [4950] HRUS is also useful in the detection of complications of intradermal and subcutaneous foreign bodies like abscesses, draining sinus tracts, apart from guiding the removal of foreign bodies. [4950] Cosmetic fillers or dermal fillers are biologically inert nanoparticles (1-100 nm in size) that are injected to fill wrinkles or cutaneous defects and are being increasingly used world over in cosmetic procedures.…”

Musculoskeletal Sonopathology and Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia

“…Unlike plain radiography, it can accurately determine the relationship of the foreign body to surrounding soft tissue structures [29]. Foreign bodies may be present in the subcutaneous tissues as the result of traumatic injuries or therapeutic procedures.…”

Clinical Sonopathology for the Regional Anesthesiologist

“…Unlike plain radiography, it can accurately determine the relationship of the foreign body to surrounding soft tissue structures. 24 Foreign bodies may be present in the subcutaneous tissues as the result of traumatic injuries or therapeutic procedures. We will focus on foreign bodies placed medicinally because they have the most relevance to UGRA.…”