Vegetable Foreign Body Research Articles

A long-standing vegetative foreign body and delayed granuloma response

Any foreign body (FB) insult to the eye may lead to varied ophthalmic manifestations. A long-standing FB in the conjunctiva/fornices can trigger a chronic inflammatory reaction, leading to granuloma formation. Patients generally present early with specific history, FB sensations, watering, redness, or epibulbar swelling. Specific history and careful examinations lead to early diagnosis and definitive treatment. Any long-standing epibulbar swelling should raise the suspicion of FB granuloma. Herein, we report a case of delayed-onset conjunctival granuloma response secondary to a long-standing vegetative FB, which is a rare occurrence.

The construction of canine distal limb models used in teaching sonography identification of vegetal foreign bodies.

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a useful tool to identify radiolucent vegetal foreign bodies (VFBs). However, limited ultrasound experience and unfamiliarity with the normal sonographic appearance of anatomical structures can decrease clinician confidence. This study aimed to design a reusable silicone model that can teach VFB identification within the canine distal limb. Four canine hindlimbs were used to design the silicone models, and 12 canine distal forelimbs were constructed. The model was constructed using cadaver bones, barley grass (Avena fatua) seeds, and silicone to mimic the anatomy of the canine distal limb with a grass seed VFB. Limbs were randomly grouped based on grass seed locations: (1) the interdigital webbing, (2) the palmar surface of the canine forelimb immediately proximal to the metacarpal pad, (3) the dorsal surface of the distal limb immediately proximal to the proximal phalange, or (4) no grass seed (control) placed. Each limb was systematically ultrasounded and compared with cadaver limbs and clinical VFB cases. A comparison of ultrasonographic images validated the construction, revealing that the simulation model replicates the anatomical and echotexture characteristics of the normal canine distal limb. Furthermore, these models also have a likeness to clinical canine distal limb VFB cases and can be utilized as a training tool.

Intraorbital Plant Foreign Body: A Case Report

Intraorbital foreign bodies of plant origin are rare and can present with different clinical manifestations. In this case report, we present the case of a 5-year-old child who presented with ocular trauma to the right eye following a fall onto a tree branch. Computed tomography revealed a vegetal intraorbital foreign body. Orbitotomy facilitated extraction, and the postoperative course was favorable.

Apport des aides technologiques dans l’extraction des corps étrangers orbitaires

Background: Removal of orbital foreign bodies is a surgical challenge. The purpose of this study is to report our experience in the removal of orbital foreign bodies and to evaluate the usefulness of various technological aids in their removal.Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study at Nice University Hospital (France) from January 2017 to December 2023. All patients undergoing surgery for an orbital foreign body during the study period were included. Data recorded included the nature of the orbital foreign body, its size, location, surgical route, outcome (success, partial success, failure), and technological aids used (intraoperative navigation, intraoperative imaging scope, orbital magnet). Concurrently, we designed a dedicated orbital magnet, which was tested in the anatomy laboratory and in two of our patients.Results: Six patients, all young men, were included during the study period. Removal was successful, partially successful, or unsuccessful in one-third of cases, respectively. Failure was associated with orbital foreign bodies located in the intraconal or posterior orbital space. Preoperatively, the use of a “low-artifact” scanner allowed us to better determine the exact size and shape of the orbital foreign body. Intraoperative navigation was not accurate enough, due to the mobility of the orbital bodies within the orbital fat. In our experience, intraoperative scope imaging was more accurate. The use of a dedicated orbital magnet was successfully tested in the anatomy laboratory and allowed the removal of a small orbital foreign body in one of our patients. Intraoperative surgical videos are provided.Conclusion: Vegetal orbital foreign bodies must be systematically removed. Removal of non-vegetal orbital foreign bodies should be considered on a case-by-case basis based on their size, best assessed using a “low artifact” scanner, their location, and their intrinsic ferromagnetism. Intraoperative navigation does not appear useful, while intraoperative scope imaging does. A dedicated orbital magnet might be helpful in removing ferromagnetic orbital foreign bodies. However, an orbital magnet may be ineffective in removing intraorbital bullets, since they are made primarily of an alloy of copper and lead.

Bronchoscopic removal of an aspirated vegetal foreign body in a small Münsterländer

Foreign bodies are common in pets and may cause vague clinical signs. One of the locations a foreign body can be found is the bronchial region. The foreign body itself, but also secondary inflammation and infection can lead to severe tissue reactions. Bronchoscopy is a useful diagnostic imaging tool, due to its diagnostic ability and therapeutic possibilities to directly remove foreign bodies. In the present case, a small Münsterländer was presented with a one-week existing productive cough. The dog inhaled a wheat spike into the airways, subsequently causing the development of secondary inflammation and infection. Through bronchoscopy, the foreign body was located in the left mainstem bronchus and removed successfully with a special forceps.

Clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings and outcomes of tonsillar fossa foreign bodies in dogs: seven cases (2020-2023).

Clinical presentation and outcomes of dogs with tonsillar foreign bodies are not described in the literature. The objective of this case series is to describe the presence, clinical manifestations, endoscopic findings and outcomes of foreign bodies in the palatine tonsillar fossa of dogs. Medical records of dogs in which tonsillar fossa foreign bodies were removed by endoscopy between 2020 and 2023 at a referral centre were reviewed. Dogs were included if complete medical records were available. Seven dogs were included. Among all clinical signs reported, acute onset of throat clearing occurred in all dogs. Palatine tonsil enlargement and protrusion from the tonsillar fossa were observed in four of seven dogs. Foreign bodies were removed under endoscopic guidance in all dogs; a vegetal foreign body was found in all but one dog (6/7). Complete resolution of clinical signs was reported in the five dogs for which follow-up information was available. The tonsillar fossa is a rare but possible location for foreign bodies in dogs and should be explored even in the absence of macroscopic lesions of the tonsils, since some dogs could have a normal palatine tonsil appearance. Acute throat clearing should raise the suspicion of tonsillar fossa foreign bodies. The prognosis appears good after removal.

The development of a systematic ultrasound protocol facilitates the visualization of foreign bodies within the canine distal limb.

Ultrasonography is an excellent investigative tool that can assist with the diagnosis of soft tissue conditions. In human medicine, ultrasonography is a fundamental diagnostic tool for the investigation of suspected vegetal foreign bodies (VFB), with protocol-based ultrasonography providing increased accuracy compared to lesion-focused examinations. Protocol-based ultrasonography is an emerging tool within the veterinary field, however, compared to human medicine is not routinely employed. The objective of this study was to develop a systematic ultrasound protocol to examine the distal limb for the visualization of vegetal foreign bodies (SUEDVEG). A 12 MHz linear and an 18 MHz high-frequency small-footprint linear array transducer was used on cadaver forelimbs (n = 6) and hindlimbs (n = 6) with images obtained from three common foreign body locations within the distal limb; 1; the interdigital webbing, 2; the palmar/plantar aspect of the phalanges and metacarpus and 3; the dorsal region of the phalanges and metacarpus. From these images, a 13-step systematic musculoskeletal protocol was developed and utilized on eight clinical cases or 10 limbs that had signs typical of distal limb VFB to preliminarily validate the proposed method. Vegetal foreign bodies were successfully identified and retrieved in seven (n = 8) clinical cases with method steps 9 and 11 (orthogonal views) identifying the majority of VFBs. The described ultrasound method appears highly useful for visualizing soft tissue locations of the canine distal limb known for tracking foreign bodies. Further studies are required to validate the described systematic examination method as the preferred clinical protocol over currently used lesion-focused exploration techniques.

Outcomes of Flap Amputation After Laser In Situ Keratomileusis.

The aim of this study was to describe the indications and outcomes of flap amputation after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) at a referral-based institution. In this retrospective consecutive case series, medical records of patients who underwent LASIK flap amputation at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, between January 1, 1998, and January 31, 2023, were reviewed. Fifteen eyes (15 patients) underwent flap amputation during the study period. The median age was 45 years (range, 25-71 years), and 8 patients (53%) were men. The median uncorrected visual acuity before flap amputation was 20/200 (range 20/40-hand motions). Indications for flap amputation included epithelial ingrowth (n = 6, 40%), infectious keratitis (n = 6, 40%), diffuse lamellar keratitis (n = 1, 7%), vegetative foreign body (n = 1, 7%), and astigmatism from fixed flap striae (n = 1, 7%). The median duration of follow-up was 8 months (range 1-234 months). Subsequent corneal interventions included chelation of calcific band keratopathy (n = 1, 7%), lamellar keratoplasty (n = 1, 7%), penetrating keratoplasty (n = 2, 18%), keratoprosthesis (n = 1, 7%), and rigid contact lens wear (n = 4, 27%). The final median best visual acuity was 20/25 (range 20/20-20/200). Compared with noninfectious indications for flap amputation, eyes with infectious indications had worse baseline median uncorrected visual acuity (hand motions vs. 20/63, P < 0.001), were more likely to undergo major corneal surgical intervention (50% vs. 11%), and had worse final median best visual acuity (20/50 vs. 20/20, P = 0.018). LASIK flap amputation is sometimes necessary to control threatening corneal diseases. Excellent visual outcomes were achieved in most cases, albeit with additional intervention or rigid contact lens wear.

Preoperative computed tomography, surgical treatment and long-term outcomes of dogs with abscesses on migrating vegetal foreign bodies and oropharyngeal stick injuries: 39 cases (2010-2021).

This study evaluated success rates of surgical treatment of head and neck abscesses and draining tracts for suspected migrating vegetal foreign body and oropharyngeal penetrating injuries, and compared the outcomes according to whether a vegetal foreign body was identified in preoperative computed tomography (CT) examination. This retrospective study involved 39 dogs that underwent CT and subsequent surgical exploration of abscesses and/or draining tracts in the head and neck, in a single institution between 2010 and 2021. Recorded data included signalment, history, physical examination, CT and surgical findings. The postoperative follow-up period was at least 8 months. Cases were classified according to whether a foreign body was identified on CT or was only suspected because of the presence of cavities and/or draining tracts on CT. A vegetal foreign body was identified on CT in 11 of 39 cases and later confirmed at surgery in 10 cases. In 28 of 39 cases, a vegetal foreign body was not identified on CT, but in seven of these 28 cases it was found at surgery. Resolution of clinical signs was achieved in 11 of 11 cases when a vegetal foreign body was identified on CT and in 26 of 28 cases without a foreign body identified on CT. Two cases of recurrence were observed in animals in which no foreign body was detected. In this population of dogs undergoing surgery after preoperative CT scan, we observed resolution of clinical signs after a single surgical procedure in 95% of the cases. All animals in which a foreign body was identified were cured.

Application of Ultrasound in Detecting and Removing Migrating Grass Awns in Dogs and Cats: A Systematic Review.

Migrating grass awns are an important cause of disease in dogs and cats. Plant awns can migrate into several body tissues and cavities because of their fusiform shape and backward-pointing barbs. Their migration causes inflammatory tissue reaction and clinical signs depend upon their localization. Ultrasound has been described as a useful, noninvasive, and readily available tool to identify and guide vegetal foreign bodies removal in animals. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize current knowledge on the application of ultrasonography in the identification and removal of grass awns from various anatomic locations in dogs and cats. We selected and analyzed 46 papers on the application of ultrasonography in dogs and cats affected by migrating grass awns. The ultrasonographic appearance of grass awns is characteristic, although their size and location can influence the visualization and the attempt of removal. In some cases, migrating grass awns are not directly visualized by ultrasonography, but the lesions caused by their migration can be easily seen. Ultrasonography can be considered a useful diagnostic tool to localize and remove migrating grass awns; however, when the migration occurs in less accessible locations or discrete foreign bodies are present, this diagnostic tool should be considered as a part of a multidisciplinary approach with advanced diagnostic imaging modalities.

Bronchoscopic findings in dogs with bronchial vegetal foreign bodies: 84 cases (2010-2020).

To describe endoscopic findings, foreign body location, success rate of removal and complications in dogs with bronchial vegetal foreign bodies. The current study retrospectively evaluated the case records of dogs diagnosed with bronchial vegetal foreign bodies at a veterinary hospital centre between January 2010 and April 2020. Information retrieved included breed, sex, age, bodyweight, the season of presentation, presentation and duration of clinical signs, previous removal attempts performed by the referring veterinarian, foreign body location and endoscopic and imaging findings. Eighty-four cases were included. Fifty-nine dogs (70%) presented during spring and summer. Cough (77 of 84; 92%) and fever (15 of 84; 18%) were the main clinical signs. One to 10 bronchial vegetal foreign bodies were removed from each dog. Purulent exudate was observed in the ventral larynx, trachea and bronchi in 49 (65%), 61 (81%) and 71 (95%) dogs, respectively. In most cases, only the barbules of the vegetal foreign bodies were initially observed during endoscopy. The presence of large bronchial nodules or an irregular mucosal surface was a frequent finding (62 of 75; 83%). Mild bleeding was the main complication (58 of 75; 77%) of endoscopic removal, which was successful in 67 of the 84 (80%) cases. Mucosal nodules associated with purulent material within the airways are frequent endoscopic findings in dogs with bronchial vegetal foreign bodies. Bronchoscopy is a relatively safe and useful technique for diagnosis and treatment of bronchial vegetal foreign bodies in dogs.

Infected parotid sialocele treated by vegetal foreign body removal in a dog

AbstractAn 11‐month‐old French bulldog was presented for a recurrent fluid‐filled mass located ventral to the right pinna. An infected parotid sialocele was diagnosed using ultrasonography, computed tomographic sialography and cytological analysis of the fluid. The dog also had a superficial corneal ulcer because of iatrogenic right facial nerve paralysis secondary to previous attempts by the referring veterinarian to excise the mass surgically. Vegetal foreign bodies (grass awns barbs) were found at the entrance to the right parotid canal and were removed with iris forceps. Bacteriology was positive for Streptococcus canis. Conservative management was initiated after grass awn removal, and the dog was discharged with oral antibiotics (amoxicillin‐clavulate orally), ophthalmic antibiotic ointment and artificial tears. Clinical signs related to parotid sialocele resolved, and permanent partial temporal tarsorrhaphy was performed 2 months later. At the 3‐year follow‐up, the dog had no signs of recurrence of the parotid sialocele, but facial paralysis was still present.

Anesthetic concerns during rigid bronchoscopy for the management of a friable vegetative foreign body in an infant

Tracheobronchial foreign-body (FB) aspiration is a commonly encountered entity in the pediatric population. FB aspiration (FBA) is an emergency condition requiring early recognition and management, and the primary treatment is the surgical removal of FB under anesthesia. Herein, we report a unique case of an infant developing prolonged severe respiratory distress due to obstruction following a vegetative FBA and shall also discuss the related anesthetic concerns.

Management of an intrastromal corneal foreign body

A 27-year-old male presented with complaints of irritation and watering in the left eye following injury by a shrub. These symptoms subsided on rubbing the eyes and an eyewash. Slit-lamp bio-microscopy revealed an edematous cornea with vegetative foreign bodies embedded in the stroma, which were confirmed by anterior-segment optical coherence tomography. Antimicrobial therapy and immediate foreign body removal was undertaken. The patient was discharged the next day, with regular follow-ups. Foreign bodies either get embedded on the corneal surface or penetrate into the anterior chamber; it is rare for them to be retained intracorneally. The patient made a full and uneventful recovery following surgery.

Transnasal intracranial injury caused by the penetration of a vegetative foreign body through the nose: diagnosis and treatment

Transnasal intracranial injury caused by the penetration of a vegetative foreign body through the nose: diagnosis and treatment

CT can identify characteristic features of hypaxial muscle abscesses in dogs due to presumed migrating vegetal foreign material as well as additional changes along the migratory tract in other anatomic regions.

Hypaxial muscle abscess is an important differential in dogs presenting for abdominal or back pain, lameness, and nonspecific signs like fever, lethargy, and hyporexia. It can occur concurrently with intrathoracic disease such as pyothorax secondary to migrating vegetal foreign material. Twelve dogs that underwent CT of the lumbar spine or abdomen and had a diagnosed hypaxial abscess on surgical and/or microbiological examination were included in this retrospective, descriptive case series. Computed tomography findings and findings from other imaging modalities employed were described. Eleven dogs were hunting breeds. Clinical signs included lethargy, fever, increased respiratory effort, and abdominal or back pain. Radiography and/or ultrasonography were employed during preliminary work up at clinician discretion and respectively revealed changes consistent with osteomyelitis in the cranial lumbar vertebrae and heterogenous, hypoechoic areas in the hypaxial musculature consistent with abscesses. Computed tomography findings included enlargement of hypaxial muscles with well-defined fluid attenuating noncontrast enhancing areas with a contrast-enhancing rim consistent with abscesses, periosteal reaction and lysis of vertebrae, and retroperitoneal effusion. Four of the 12 cases in this series had material identified and removed at surgery. The other eight cases were presumed to be the same disease process based on compatible signalment, imaging findings, and microbiological results. Migrating vegetal foreign bodies are a common problem at the authors' institution. Computed tomography provided expedient, thorough visualization of the relevant hypaxial lesions for diagnostic and surgical planning purposes and also characterized intrathoracic components of this disease.

Investigation and Analysis of the Influence of Vegetative Tracheobronchial Foreign Body on Airflow Field.

The BSL k-ω turbulence model was used to numerically simulate the inspiratory airflow of the airway with foreign bodies using a real CT scan human airway model. The paper selects three foreign bodies with different diameters, three different foreign body positions, and three different breathing intensities, and the FLUENT software is used to perform numerical simulation. This study has found that the increase in the diameter of the foreign body and flow velocity will make the flow structure in the airway more complicated. The airway pressure will increase so that the resistance of breathing will increase, and the shear force will also increase, which hurt the airway. The impact of the foreign body on the left side on the flow structure in the airway is less than that of the foreign body on the right side. The foreign body on the left side causes the pressure drop in the airway to be higher than that on the right side. Moreover, sharp changes in pressure driving force and airway curvature will affect the airflow pattern of the central airway. We concluded that foreign matter has a great influence on the characteristics of the airflow structure, and more research is needed to increase the understanding of the airflow pattern under the condition of foreign matter in the airway, and the research helps doctors avoid the influence of airflow when removing foreign bodies in the airway.

Treatment of the most frequent cases of grass awn migration in dogs with ultrasound

Migrating grass awns are a common problem in dogs with a vegetative foreign body during the summer, requiring surgical intervention. This report presents treatment cases of migrating grass awns in four client-owned dogs (between the webs of the toes, in the cheek, abdomen area, and in the penis). Under ultrasonographic visualization, vegetative foreign bodies were localized, confirmed upon surgery, and removed with a positive outcome.

Comparison of computed tomography and surgical findings and investigation of their associations with outcomes for dogs with sublumbar abscesses.

To describe and compare the results of preoperative CT and surgical findings in dogs with sublumbar abscesses and investigate potential associations between these variables and the outcome of abscess recurrence. 51 client-owned dogs. A retrospective, records-based study was performed of dogs undergoing surgery for treatment of sublumbar abscesses diagnosed by use of CT between January 2010 and December 2018. Signalment, clinical signs, clinicopathologic data, CT findings, surgical techniques and findings, duration of hospitalization, postoperative treatment, and complications were recorded. Long-term follow-up was performed through telephone interviews. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate associations between the variables of interest and abscess recurrence. 51 dogs met the study inclusion criteria; 48 were included in outcome analysis. The CT findings agreed with surgical findings for identification of a migrating vegetal foreign body for 39 of 51 (77%) dogs. All dogs survived to hospital discharge; 1 dog died of hemoabdomen 3 days after surgery, and 6 had minor (surgical wound) complications reported. Abscess recurrence developed in 12 of 48 (25%) dogs with a median time to recurrence of 6 months. Identification of diskospondylitis on CT examination was the only investigated factor significantly associated with recurrence; odds of recurrence in dogs with this finding were 8.4 times those for dogs without this finding. Our results suggested dogs with sublumbar abscesses have a good prognosis after surgery, although recurrence can develop. Preoperative identification of diskospondylitis was significantly associated with abscess recurrence in this study sample.

Treatment and outcome of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to suspected migrating vegetal foreign body in 37 dogs.

The aim of this study is to describe surgical findings, treatment and outcome of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) secondary to suspected migrating vegetal foreign body (MVFB). This retrospective study included dogs with computed tomography (CT) consistent with SP suspected to be secondary to MVFB that underwent thoracic surgery. They were divided into two groups according to whether CT identified (group 1) or only suspected (group 2) an MVFB. Thirty-seven dogs were included (twenty-one in group 1 and 16 in group 2). An MVFB was identified during surgery in 18 of 21 of cases of group 1 and in 10 of 16 of group 2. An agreement between lobes affected on CT and surgical findings was observed in 34 of 40 lobes. In nine of 37 of cases, a lung perforation was identified without evidence of MVFB. Thirty-nine lobectomies were performed: 15 complete and 24 partial. No recurrence of pneumothorax was observed. In four dogs, a second surgery was necessary to remove an MVFB 1.5 to 3 months after the initial surgery due to secondary draining tracts. Surgical approach planed with CT resolved SP in all cases before discharge with excellent short-term outcome and no major complication. CT was reliable to assess perforated lung lobes in 85% of cases. Clinical signs of delayed draining tract developed in 33% of cases where surgery failed to find an MVFB identified on CT.