Chronic intrapulmonary foreign bodies.

Abstract

Two cases of chronically retained foreign bodies are presented, demonstrating that a long delay may exist between a penetrating injury and the manifestation of a severe symptom, such as haemoptysis or recurrent infection, referable to a retained foreign body. In only one of these cases was the diagnosis of retained foreign body considered the most likely pre-operatively. Some diagnostic and management problems arising in such situations are discussed.