CT in the preoperative diagnosis of fish bone perforation of the gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

Objective: Foreign body perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has diverse clinical manifestations, and the correct preoperative diagnosis is seldom made. We report our experience with the use of CT in the preoperative diagnosis of fish bone perforation of the GI tract in seven patients. To our knowledge, this series is the largest to date addressing the role of CT in the diagnosis of fish bone perforation.

Conclusion: Clinical presentation and radiography are unreliable in the preoperative diagnosis of fish bone perforation of the GI tract. This limitation can be overcome with the use of CT, which is accurate in showing the offending fish bone. The accuracy of CT is limited by observer dependence. A high index of suspicion should always be maintained for the correct diagnosis to be made.