Presentation
Retained foreign body (branula) with mild focal left arm swelling at the ante-decubital fossa.
Patient Data
A hollow/tubular structure (Branula) with open-ended sides the superior aspect of which is relatively tapered, is noted interposed within the left cephalic vein proximally at the level of the proximal one third antecubital fossa. The aforementioned structure (measuring 2.8 x 0.18 cm in size) is subtly migratory as the initial location (at the site of injection) was distal to the anterior elbow joint.
Attendant focal left cephalic venous thrombosis with venous wall thickening (distal to the inferior end of the Branula) plus mild regional subcutaneous tissue edema is noted ipsilaterally.
Case Discussion
Ultrasound features consistent with retained Branula (foreign body) at the left proximal cephalic vein with attendant focal cephalic venous thrombophlebitis and mild regional subcutaneous tissue edema complications ipsilaterally. Noteworthy is that an alternative name of a Branula is a cannula. Mild proximal migration of the Branula with thrombophlebitis sequel seen points towards Branula-embolism.