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Hepatic abscess due to gastric perforation by ingested fish bone demonstrated by computed tomography
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan.
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|March 20, 1999
Summary
Gastrointestinal perforation from ingested foreign bodies is rare, often lacking specific radiographic signs. Computed tomography (CT) successfully diagnosed a hepatic abscess caused by a fish bone penetrating the gastric wall in a 69-year-old woman.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Ingested foreign bodies rarely cause gastrointestinal perforation.
- Conventional radiography often provides nonspecific findings for diagnosing complications.
- Early diagnosis of gastrointestinal foreign body complications remains challenging.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman presented with vague symptoms including intermittent abdominal pain and low-grade fever.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed a hepatic abscess secondary to gastric wall penetration by a foreign body.
- Surgical exploration identified the foreign body as a fish bone.
Findings:
- The hepatic abscess was confirmed and surgically drained.
- A partial gastrectomy was performed due to the gastric wall perforation.
- CT imaging proved crucial for preoperative diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic utility of CT in rare gastrointestinal foreign body perforations.
- CT can identify occult foreign bodies and associated complications like abscesses.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are vital for managing such rare presentations.