Metallic foreign object in postoperative chest radiograph?
2011
Metallic Foreign Object in Postoperative Chest Radiograph
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Dheeraj Arora, Abhishek Bansal, Yatin Mehta
Primary Institution: Medanta Institute of Critical Care and Anaesthesiology
Conclusion
The foreign object seen in the chest radiograph was identified as the pilot balloon of the tracheal tube, not a retained surgical item.
Supporting Evidence
- Artefacts can commonly be seen in a chest X-ray film.
- Familiarity with surgical materials can help differentiate artefacts from actual foreign bodies.
- Early recognition of such events is warranted to prevent unnecessary interventions.
Takeaway
After heart surgery, a patient had a strange shadow on their X-ray that looked like a metal object, but it turned out to be part of the breathing tube.
Methodology
The case involved a physical examination and repeated chest X-rays to identify the foreign object.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 63-year-old male patient.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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