title: Ultrasound detection of foreign body and gas contamination of a penetrating wound.
abstract: We report a case in which ultrasonography (US) examination was used in the Emergency Department to reveal and diagnose gas contamination of a penetrating wound. Air microbubbles are extremely small and their typical distribution and movement are like those of "sparkling-wine microbubbles". US assessment of spontaneous disappearance of the air bubbles can distinguish a harmless traumatic nature of the wound from a life-threatening gas-producing bacterial infection.
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Testa
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Giannuzzi
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Zirio
authors: A
authors: A
authors: La Greca
authors: N Gentiloni
authors: NG
authors: Silveri
keywords: Air bubbles; Foreign body; Gas gangrene; Penetrating trauma; Soft tissue; Ultrasonography
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