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Case report: MR findings of a retained surgical sponge
Radiation Medicine
|May 6, 1998
Abstract:
We describe here a case in which a retained surgical sponge progressed into the perirenal space and posterior pararenal space from the pelvic cavity. Sonography, CT, and T1-weighted MR image analyses could not show clearly the characteristic structure of the surgical sponge, but T2-weighted MR imaging showed a folded fabric appearance within the cystic mass. Surgical findings confirmed a lobulated cystic mass containing yellowish fluid and a surgical sponge.
Insights
A retained surgical sponge migrated into the kidney area. T2-weighted MRI revealed its fabric texture within a cystic mass, confirmed during surgery.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Retained surgical sponges are rare complications following surgical procedures.
- Migration of foreign bodies into adjacent anatomical spaces can lead to diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A case is presented where a surgical sponge, initially in the pelvic cavity, migrated to the perirenal and posterior pararenal spaces.
- Initial imaging with sonography, CT, and T1-weighted MRI failed to clearly delineate the sponge's structure.
- T2-weighted MRI demonstrated a characteristic folded fabric appearance within a cystic mass.
Findings:
- Surgical exploration revealed a lobulated cystic mass.
- The mass contained yellowish fluid and the identified surgical sponge.
Implications:
- This case highlights the utility of T2-weighted MRI in diagnosing retained surgical sponges when other modalities are inconclusive.
- Understanding potential migration pathways is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of retained foreign bodies.
- Emphasizes the importance of meticulous surgical counts and postoperative imaging review to prevent such complications.