Computed Tomography Findings of Emergency Cases Resulting From Fish Bone Ingestion

Abstract

Fish bones are some of the most commonly ingested foreign bodies. In most cases, fish bone ingestion is asymptomatic, and the bones are expelled from the body spontaneously. Otherwise, patients with fish bone ingestion can present to the emergency department with nonspecific symptoms. Fish bones can become impacted in various part of the body. Even in cases that are initially asymptomatic after ingestion, serious complications may develop at a later stage. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in the diagnosis of fish bone ingestion because it is the most sensitive modality for detecting these foreign bodies. It is important to be familiar with CT findings to detect ingested fish bones and the related complications and to direct further management of the condition.