AI Article Synopsis
- Foreign objects commonly appear in abdominal and pelvic CT scans, presenting challenges for radiologists in terms of identification, characterization, and determining clinical significance.
- Many of these objects are found incidentally but can mimic various medical conditions, leading to potential misdiagnoses.
- Some foreign objects, such as ingested items or retained surgical tools, can have serious implications for patient health and legal liability, necessitating careful evaluation and suspicion during imaging.
Article Abstract
Foreign objects are not infrequently seen at computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis and may pose a diagnostic challenge to the radiologist, who must recognize the object, characterize its nature and location, and determine its clinical significance. Most foreign objects are incidentally detected at CT, but they may mimic a wide range of pathologic conditions. Some foreign objects (eg, an object that has been swallowed either intentionally or unintentionally) are the cause of the patient's signs and symptoms and require prompt medical attention. Other objects, such as a sponge or surgical instrument that has been retained postoperatively, may have medicolegal consequences. Furthermore, certain objects, such as intentionally concealed drug packets, may go undetected unless a high degree of suspicion exists and appropriate window settings are used to review the study. The radiologist should be familiar with the wide range of foreign objects that may be encountered at abdominopelvic CT, be able to recognize them promptly, and understand their implications for patient treatment.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1148/rg.312105123 | DOI Listing |
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