PMC5401732_01
Abdominal X-ray examination. Radiopaque object consistent with a metallic foreign body in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen (a). Retained barium with strong artifact on axial (b) and coronal (c) views on abdominal CT.
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Abdominal X-ray examination showed a radiopaque object suggestive of a foreign body in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen (Figure 1(a)). Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed that the object had strong artifact with more than 10,000 Hounsfield units, as well as ascites around a thickened terminal ileum (Figures 1(b) and 1(c)).
Resected specimen shows that the appendix contained a white, fragile fecalith. There was inflammation at the tip of the appendix (a). Crystal structure of barium sulfate on the mucosa (b) and in the infected fluid (c, d). Original magnification 200x (c), 400x (b, d).
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The resected specimen had within it a fragile, white, fecalith (Figure 2(a)). Histopathological examination showed ulceration, necrosis, and an abscess in the mucosal layer of the appendix and the crystal structure of barium sulfate in the lumen and within the abscess (Figures 2(b)-2(d)).