Gunshot-Related Periorbital Metallic Foreign Bodies-Case Reports

Abstract

Purpose: To report two types of gunshot orbit injuries, intraorbital and intrasinus, involving metallic foreign bodies. Methods: We present two case reports. Results: A 13-year-old girl presented with left orbital pain after being shot with a BB gun. Computed tomographic (CT) scans showed an intraorbital, radio-opaque foreign body in the upper nasal region, near the insertion of the superior rectus muscle. An intraorbital metallic BB bullet was removed by anterior orbitotomy. In the other case, a 19-year-old male was injured by a gunshot to the left cheek region. Both skull X-ray and CT scans showed a radio-opaque foreign body inside the right sphenoid sinus. We did not remove the object because an otolaryngologist suggested that the procedure was unnecessary. The patient was then lost to follow-up. Conclusions: Retainment of metallic foreign bodies following projectile-induced injuries should be highly suspected. The results of imaging analysis, such as CT scans, should be carefully studied. Treatment includes administration of pain relievers and prophylactic antibiotics and surgical extraction. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate management greatly improves clinical outcome.