Foreign bodies on chest x-ray

Case contributed by Aditya Shetty
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Routine check up

Patient Data

Gender: Unknown
x-ray

The following opacities are noted (from the very obvious to the least):

  • cell phone
  • coins
  • pin
  • button

The patient is grossly rotated however the visualized part of chest appears normal.

Case Discussion

Case of the "foolish technician", deficient in preparation of patient prior to an x-ray being undertaken.

Here are the basic guidelines for any x-ray of chest or abdomen

  • Keep aside cellphones, coins
  • Remove chains around neck, pins ,clips
  • Provide a gown to the female patient
  • Maintain a good centralisation
  • Adequate exposure as per the part being examined

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