Peripheral venous embolized intracardiac foreign body

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Intracardiac foreign bodies (IFBs) are typically iatrogenic, often from catheters or pacemaker leads.
• Traumatic embolization of IFBs, particularly metallic objects, is infrequently documented in medical literature.

Observation:

• This case report details a rare instance of a metallic foreign body embolized to the heart via peripheral veins following a traumatic elbow injury.
• The patient presented with an intracardiac foreign body originating from a non-iatrogenic cause.

Findings:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted to contextualize this unusual presentation.
• Established criteria for intracardiac foreign body removal include a diameter exceeding 5 mm, irregular morphology, or the presence of symptoms.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering traumatic embolization in the differential diagnosis of intracardiac foreign bodies.
• Adherence to removal guidelines ensures patient safety and optimal outcomes for intracardiac foreign bodies.