Recurrent neck Abscess by Migrating Fishbone Penetrating Thyroid Found in Subcutaneous Tissue: Case Report

Area of Science:

• Medical Case Reports
• Otolaryngology
• Radiology

Background:

• Extraluminal foreign bodies are uncommon, with fish bones being a frequent cause in adults.
• Sharp foreign body ingestion can cause pain, and persistent symptoms may indicate migration, even with negative esophagoscopy.
• Radiological assessment, including second reader consultation, is crucial for diagnosing missed foreign bodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an unusual case of recurrent neck abscess.
• To illustrate the migratory potential of ingested fish bones.
• To emphasize diagnostic considerations for extraluminal foreign bodies.

Main Methods:

• Case report presentation.
• Clinical symptom correlation.
• Radiological imaging and interpretation.
• Review of foreign body ingestion literature.

Main Results:

• A patient developed recurrent neck abscesses due to a migrating fishbone.
• The fishbone migrated from the pharynx, penetrated the thyroid lobe, and lodged in the neck's subcutaneous tissue.
• Diagnosis was aided by correlating symptoms with radiological findings, suggesting a migratory foreign body.

Conclusions:

• Migrating fishbones can lead to atypical presentations like recurrent neck abscesses.
• Persistent symptoms after suspected foreign body ingestion warrant thorough investigation, including advanced imaging.
• Multidisciplinary diagnostic approaches are essential for rare foreign body complications.