Yonsei Med J.  2015 May;56(3):867-870. 10.3349/ymj.2015.56.3.867.

Metallic Foreign Body in Heart Mimicking Moderator Band

• Kim D
• Yang PS
• Choi JH
• Seo J
• Chun KH
• Lee SE
• Hong GR
• Joo HC
• Choi D

• KMID: 2450366
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2015.56.3.867

Abstract

A foreign body in heart is rare, but it is more frequently encountered than the past as iatrogenic causes are increasing. Clinicians should be aware that foreign body could be mistaken for normal structure of heart. In order for accurate diagnosis, multi-imaging modalities should be used for information of exact location, mobility and hemodynamic effects. A decision to intervene should be made based on potential harms harbored by foreign bodies. Endovascular retrieval should be considered as an option. However, when fatal complications occur or when foreign bodies are embedded deeply, a surgical removal should be attempted.

Keyword

Foreign body; heart

MeSH Terms

Cardiac Surgical Procedures/*methods
Echocardiography
Female
Foreign Bodies/*radiography/*surgery
Foreign-Body Migration/radiography
Heart Injuries/diagnosis/etiology/*surgery
Humans
Iatrogenic Disease
Middle Aged
*Needles
Treatment Outcome

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Four chamber view of transthoracic echocardiography shows an echogenic linear structure of cardiac foreign body which was misdiagnosed as moderator band (white arrow).

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  Fig. 2 Heart computed tomography revealing an abnormal high density linear structure in right ventricle.

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  Fig. 3 (A and B) Right atrial incision was made. (C) After inspection, a rod-like structure covered with epithelium was opened from tricuspid annulus to the right ventricle. (D) Metallic core about 4.5 cm was removed.

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