Foreign body as a cause of baffling symptoms.

In a series of ten cases of illness caused by retained foreign material, the illnesses imitated more common diseases. Many sites were involved and the causes were varied. A correct diagnosis followed by removal of the offending agent resulted in prompt and complete cure in most cases. Unless correctly diagnosed and treated, disease caused by retained foreign body can continue not only with the initial symptomatology but often with secondary complications developing. Methods by which an accurate diagnosis can be made include detailed and thorough physical examination, endoscopic procedures and radiographic examination. Certain circumstances should arouse suspicion. At times, even with adjunctive measures the proper diagnosis cannot be pinpointed. Early careful operative intervention for diagnosis and treatment then become necessary.