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Journal of Medical Case Reports

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Open Access 01-12-2012 | Case report

Thyroid gland cutaneous fistula secondary to a migratory fish bone: a case report

Authors: Toyoaki Ohbuchi, Takahisa Tabata, Khac-Hung Nguyen, Jun-ichi Ohkubo, Akiko Katoh, Hideaki Suzuki

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Introduction

We report an extremely rare case of a migratory fish bone penetrating through the thyroid gland.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old Japanese woman presented with a two-month history of a painless cutaneous fistula in her anterior neck with pus discharge. Endoscopic examinations showed no abnormality, but computed tomography revealed a bone-density needle-shaped foreign body sticking out anteroinferior from the esophagus wall, penetrating through her left thyroid lobe and extending nearly to the anterior cervical skin. A migratory fish bone was suspected, and the foreign body was removed under general anesthetic, combined with a hemithyroidectomy. The injured esophageal mucosa was sutured and closed. Our patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and she was allowed oral food intake seven days after the surgery. No evidence of recurrence was seen over the postoperative follow-up period of 42 weeks.

Conclusion

We should be aware that fish bone foreign bodies may migrate out of the upper digestive tract and lodge in the thyroid gland.

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Title: Thyroid gland cutaneous fistula secondary to a migratory fish bone: a case report
Authors: Toyoaki Ohbuchi
Takahisa Tabata
Khac-Hung Nguyen
Jun-ichi Ohkubo
Akiko Katoh
Hideaki Suzuki
Publication date: 01-12-2012
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-6-140

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Thyroid gland cutaneous fistula secondary to a migratory fish bone: a case report

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

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