J Korean Neurotraumatol Soc.  2009 Dec;5(2):103-105. 10.13004/jknts.2009.5.2.103.

Penetrating Orbitocranial Metallic Foreign Body Injury: A Case Report

• Ahn SS
• Song YJ
• Kim KU

• KMID: 1427367
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13004/jknts.2009.5.2.103

Abstract

Penetrating orbitocranial injury caused by metallic foreign body is uncommon and often cause serious damage without prompt treatment. We present our experience with penetrating orbitocranial injury caused by metallic foreign body and review the outcome of surgical management and prognosis. We report a case of a 52-year-old man who presented with penetrating orbitocranial injury caused by metallic foreign body on his left periorbital area. Artifacts caused by the penetrating metal ring on computed tomography (CT) obscure the actual brain damage along the path of penetration. The patient deteriorated in the emergency room and subsequently received surgical intervention. The present report indicates that good result can be achieved by early diagnosis of intracranial injury and by the removal of foreign body. Based on this experience, we recommend prompt surgical intervention with early CT evaluation to determine the extent of brain damage and surrounding damages.

Keyword

Craniofacial; Penetrating; Foreign body; Surgery

MeSH Terms

Artifacts
Brain
Early Diagnosis
Emergencies
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Prognosis

Figure

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  FIGURE 1 Preoperative simple X-ray (A, B) and CT scan (C, D) demonstrate the position of the metal ring. CT reveals marked artifacts along the trajectory of penetration (C).

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  FIGURE 2 (A) Operative field shows exposure of periorbital area and frontal lobe. Frontal craniotomy has exposed the metal ring, seen to be entering the frontal lobe of brain; (B) removed metal ring.

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  FIGURE 3 Postoperative simple X-ray (A) and CT scan (B) demonstrate frontal lesion.

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