Intracranial Iatrogenic Foreign Bodies: Features of Neuroimaging

Abstract

The timely diagnosis of postoperative consequences through identification of intracranial foreign bodies enables prevention of complications and improvement in quality of life. The paper considers two clinical cases after surgical interventions to remove subdural and intracerebral hematomas of different ages. Computed tomography (CT) was performed on a 64-slice Somatom Perspective apparatus (Siemens, Germany) applying a reformative slice thickness of less than 0.6 mm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was carried out using a Magnetom Essenza 1.5 T system (Siemens, Germany). When wording the CT and MRT findings, it was suggested that each of the patients had an intracranial foreign body in the presence of postoperative changes. The CT and MRI findings were fully correlated with intraoperative data on the location, number, shape, and size of foreign bodies. The neuroimaging techniques are highly informative in identifying intracranial foreign bodies and are especially important for chronically critically ill patients because of the lack of productive contact with them due to speech problems and cognitive impairment. They assist in making a correct diagnosis and playing a leading role in neurosurgical practice, allowing the detection of an abnormality, the optimal planning of patient management tactics, and the prevention of possible complications.

Keywords

• iatrogenic foreign body
• computed tomography
• magnetic resonance imaging
• gauze pad