Korean J Radiol.  2003 Sep;4(3):191-193. 10.3348/kjr.2003.4.3.191.

Gossypiboma of the Leg: MR Imaging Characteristics: A Case Report

• Lo CP
• Hsu CC
• Chang TH

• KMID: 754024
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2003.4.3.191

Abstract

We report a 22-year-old man with a solid mass in the right proximal leg, which was furned out to be a gossypiboma. MR imaging revealed a well-defined mass lesion that showed intermediate signal intensity at T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and slightly high signal intensity at T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). Wavy, low-signal-intensity stripes were visible within the fluid-filled central cavity. At surgical exploration, a sponge, retained after previous knee surgery, was discovered, and it was found that a granuloma had developed. Pathologic examination revealed granulomatous inflammation, with lymphocyte and giant cell infiltration. The presence of wavy, low-signal-intensity gauze fibers at T2WI may be a characteristic MR appearance of gossypiboma.

Keyword

Knee; Magnetic resonance (MR) ; Foreign Bodies

Figure

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  Fig. 1 MR imaging of the right proximal leg. Axial T1-weighted (A) and T2-weighted (B) MR images depict a well-circumscribed, elliptical mass (arrows) with a central, fusiform, fluid-filled cavity in the deep subcutaneous layer of the right proximal leg. Note the wavy, low-signal-intensity structures (arrowhead) in the central cavity, representing the gauze fibers.

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  Fig. 2 Gross pathologic specimen shows a well-encapsulated mass with a fusiform central cavity. The gauze fibers (arrows) are clearly depicted.

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  Fig. 3 Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed fibrosis, and lymphocyte and giant cell infiltration had occurred. Note the presence of giant cells, which phagocytosed the gauze fibers (arrow).

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