CHRONIC INTRAPULMONARY FOREIGN-BODIES

Two cases of chronically retained foreign bodies are presented, demons trating that a long delay may exist between a penetrating injury and t he manisfestation of a severe symptom. such as haemoptysis or recurren t infection, referable to a retained foreign body. In only one of thes e cases was the diagnosis of retained foreign body considered the most likely pre-operatively. Some diagnostic and management problems arisi ng in such situations are discussed.