Retained foreign bodies

Abstract

Foreign bodies may be ingested, inserted into a body cavity, or deposited into the body by traumatic or iatrogenic injuries. Retained foreign bodies following surgical procedures are a clinically significant problem. The real incidence is unknown since intracranial foreign bodies are seldom reported and the majority consist of materials intentionally left in the cranium. Clinical manifestations may be variable such as acute infections, lateonset seizures, or they remain clinically silent for years. The major role of the radiologist is to recognize these foreign bodies and their potential complications.