CTICasesRetained Guidewire in Pulmonary Artery
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Imaging findings
A chest radiograph shows a linear metallic density crossing over the mediastinum, initially misidentified as external tubing. A CT scan, performed months later, clearly shows a long piece of guidewire straddling the pulmonary arteries and extending into the upper lobe. The patient also exhibits metastatic calcification due to renal failure.
Key takeaways
Subtle linear densities on radiographs, especially in patients with numerous external lines, should prompt careful evaluation for retained foreign bodies. In this case, a guidewire lost during an interventional procedure remained undetected for months but was fortunately retrieved successfully. This serves as a reminder to always consider internal causes for linear opacities, even when they seem external.
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