Use of 3-dimensional computed tomography to detect a barium-masked fish bone causing esophageal perforation.

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) is useful for evaluating esophageal foreign bodies and detecting perforation. However, when evaluation is difficult owing to the previous use of barium as a contrast medium, 3-dimensional CT may facilitate accurate diagnosis. A 49-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with the diagnosis of esophageal perforation. Because barium had been used as a contrast medium for an esophagram performed at a previous hospital, horizontal CT and esophageal endoscopy could not be able to identify the foreign body or characterize the lesion. However, 3-dimensional CT clearly revealed an L-shaped foreign body and its anatomical relationships in the mediastinum. Accordingly, we removed the foreign body using an upper gastrointestinal endoscope. The foreign body was the premaxillary bone of a sea bream. The patient was discharged without complications.

• Authors: Atsushi Tsukiyama, Takashi Tagami, Shiei Kim, Hiroyuki Yokota
• Journal: Journal of Nippon Medical School = Nippon Ika Daigaku zasshi (J Nippon Med Sch) Vol. 81 Issue 6 Pg. 384-7 ( 2014) ISSN: 1347-3409 [Electronic] Japan
• PMID: 25744482 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Barium

Topics

• Animals
• Barium
• Bone and Bones
• Esophageal Perforation (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Esophagoscopy
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Seafood (adverse effects)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed (methods)