Intrathoracic gossypiboma: radiographic and CT findings

Abstract

Intrathoracic gossypiboma, a retained surgical sponge in the thoracic cavity, is a rare but serious consequence following surgery. Because of its rare occurrence and non-specific clinical and radiographic presentations, the diagnosis is often missed. Herein we report a patient presenting with a chronic recurrent cough due to a retained surgical sponge in the pleural cavity. The patient has been misdiagnosed with bronchiectasis for 22 years. The characteristic spongiform appearance on CT and a history of previous thoracic surgery led to the diagnosis of a gossypiboma that was confirmed at surgery.