Teach a man to fillet: gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal complications related to fish bone ingestion

Abstract

Accidental ingestion of fish bone is a common occurrence in populations that consume unfilleted fish. Although most ingested foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully within a week, less than 1% of patients unfortunately develop gastrointestinal perforation. Occasionally, some patients who are unaware of an episode of fish bone ingestion may present sub-acutely with symptoms mimicking inflammatory conditions or pyrexia of unknown origin. Computed tomography (CT) is the definitive imaging modality in the diagnosis of fish bone foreign body and its complications. This pictorial essay aims to illustrate the various complications related to fish bone ingestion, broadly divided into gastrointestinal related complications and extra-gastrointestinal complications related to migration of fish bone. Radiologists should be familiar with the myriad of possible complications, and take heed that a relevant history of fish bone ingestion is often absent.

Keywords: Abscess; Computed tomography; Fish bone; Foreign body; Gastrointestinal perforation.