PMC6542111_01
An axial non-contrast CT scan demonstrating the radiopaque foreign body lodged within left palatine tonsil soft tissue.
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A non-contrast neck CT revealed a curvilinear metallic object embedded within the soft tissue of the left posterior oropharynx (Figure 1).
(a) An axial cut on a non-contrast CT scan showing the wire bristle located medially to the right carotid artery (demonstrated by rim calcifications). (b) An axial cut just caudal to the prior image showing the medial extent of the wire in the retropharyngeal plane.
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Another CT without contrast was obtained and the previously identified linear hyperdensity in the left palatine tonsil had migrated into the right retro-hypopharyngeal region (Figure 2(a) and (b)).
An axial CT scan with contrast showing the radiopaque foreign body in the midline retropharyngeal space in a horizontal orientation.
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Given the migration of the foreign body, a repeat CT with contrast was obtained immediately prior to removal and once again showed migration to a midline position of the retropharynx anterior to C2C3 level (Figure 3).
Image of wire bristle following removal.
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The foreign body was successfully removed through an intraoral incision and retropharyngeal dissection deep to the constrictor muscle with complete resolution of her symptoms (Figure 4).