Occult Foreign Bodies in ENT

• Main Authors: Bijan Kumar Adhikary, Subhra Deb Biswas, Avick Das, Swapan Kumar Ghosh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Association of Otolaryngologists of India, West Bengal 2015-08-01
• Series: Bengal Journal of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery
• Subjects: Foreign Bodies; Cheek; Palatine Tonsil; Trismus; X-ray; Pain
• Online Access: https://bjohns.in/journal3/index.php/bjohns/article/view/49

Introduction Foreign bodies are common ENT emergencies. Histories are usually forthcoming from the patient himself or the relatives . Three occult foreign bodies are reported here, which were missed even by treating doctors, with discussion about steps to avoid such errors in future. Case Series Case 1: Though the history was apparent, the foreign body was removed only after 13 years from the Zygomatic region. Case 2: The parents were aware of the foreign body but inadequate investigations led to a delayed diagnosis. Case 3: The history clinched the diagnosis. Pre operative localization and separate incision to remove the foreign body saved the vital structures. Discussion A high index of suspicion, meticulous history and proper investigation like x-ray or CT scan or MRI of the diseased area may help in locating the hidden foreign bodies in the ENT region.