Shotgun diagnosis: "it ought to be something else".
The problems encountered by the surgeon, the radiologist, and the pathologist in the interpretation of radiopaque fragments within tissue are illustrated by a case report. Deformation, particularly flattening, of round pellets should be recognized as a gross radiographic pitfall. The potential and actual external and internal tissue damage resulting from a close-range shotgun blast are also discussed. Careful study of the radiographs, examination of the weapon and ammunition, and the information obtained from good investigation by trained law-enforcement officers should prevent possible misinterpretation.
D000293:Adolescent; D005269:Femur / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging