title: Gastrointestinal perforation by chicken bones.
abstract: Four cases of gastrointestinal perforation by chicken bones are presented. Variability in the clinical manifestations generally precludes a correct preoperative diagnosis of intraabdominal chicken bone abscess. However, in 2 patients, a diagnosis was possible with plain abdominal radiographs. Although the abnormalities seen were nonspecific, the identification of a chicken bone with an associated mass or extraluminal gas collection in a patient with signs of peritonitis, mechanical bowel obstruction, or pneumoperitoneum strongly suggests the diagnosis. A history of alcoholism or wearing dentures strengthens it.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones; D002645:Chickens; D004064:Digestive System; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013270:Stomach / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*