TRAUMATIC FOREIGN-BODY EMBOLISM ORIGINATI NG FROM THE BASILIC VEIN

Foreign body embolisms can be traumatic and iatrogenic. Traumatic fore ign body emulsion are almost always induced by gunshot wounds. Central vessels with a large lumen are the most frequent site of entry. Forei gn bodies are transported to peripheral body areas or produce pulmonar y embolism. Clinical manifestations are dependent on the size and plac e of the foreign body. In this report a case of traumatic foreign body embolism is presented, in which the basilic vein was the site of entr ance and the foreign body was transported to the right lower lobe of t he lung. Foreign body embolism should always be considered in the diff erential diagnosis in the case of patients with no visible foreign bod y in the injury. Treatment is dependent on the clinical signs and on s ize and shape of the foreign body. Symptomatic foreign body embolism a nd large irregularly shaped foreign bodies should be extracted. When o nly a small foreign body with no clinical symptoms is present conserva tive management is most appropriate.