Ultrasound Imaging of Soft Tissue Foreign Bodies

Abstract

Objective: to study the capabilities of ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of soft tissue foreign bodies.

Materials and methods. 93 patients with a preliminary diagnosis of foreign bodies soft tissue ultrasound examination performed on the, HDI 5000 and the Aplio 500scanners;transducer elected respectively scan depth of interest in the location area. To improve the ultrasound diagnostics of foreign bodies used the original method of initializing, Twinkling artifact. Identified foreign bodies were extracted intraoperatively – in 11 (11.8%) patients, either through the wound channel – in 75 (80.6%). Diagnosis of foreign body was expelled in 7 (7.5%) patients (own bone sequesters (4) and parasitic invasion (dirofilariasis) (3)).

Results. Ultrasound reveals foreign bodies, including not determined radiographically, to differentiate them from other disease states with similar clinical picture. Echographic characteristics in conjunction with the study history presumably prevented to judge the foreign body material (wood, glass, bone, gauze, latex etc.).Optimization of diagnosis of foreign bodies contributed to the use of the original method of initiation, Twinkling artifact. Ultrasound also allows to evaluate the localization of foreign bodies and their relative positions to the surrounding anatomical and pathological structures, identify the signs of inflammation, abscess formation.

Conclusion. Studies have shown high information ultrasonography in the diagnosis of foreign bodies, including not determined radiographically. The data can be the basis for the differentiated choice of medical tactics, in particular, the establishment of indications for surgical or minimally invasive treatment.