Presentation
Patient swallowed razor blade cartridge. Undergoing psychiatric treatment.
Patient Data
An approximately 3.7 x 0.6 cm (36.63 x 5.77 mm) sized rectangular metallic density with three linear parallel lines is most compatible with the swallowed razor blade cartridge and is seen within the gastric fundus on this exam. No other discrete radiopaque foreign body is evident.
Bowel gas is noted throughout the abdomen. No evidence of free air or bowel obstruction.
Case Discussion
Most foreign body ingestions do not require surgery and are allowed to pass naturally through the bowel. This razor blade cartridge passed out spontaneously without complications. Ingesting foreign bodies is most common among psychiatric patients and toddlers.
This case was submitted with supervision and input from:
Soni C. Chawla, M.D.
Health Sciences Clinical Professor,
Department of Radiological Sciences,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Attending Paediatric Radiologist,
Olive View - UCLA Medical Centre.