Traumatic foreign body embolism from the basilic vein

: Foreign body embolisms can be traumatic and iatrogenic. Traumatic foreign body emulsion are almost always induced by gunshot wounds. Central vessels with a large lumen are the most frequent site of entry. Foreign bodies are transported to peripheral body areas or produce pulmonary embolism. Clinical manifestations are dependent on the size and place of the foreign body. In this report a case of traumatic foreign body embolism is presented, in which the basilic vein was the site of entrance and the foreign body was transported to the right lower lobe of the lung. Foreign body embolism should always be considered in the differential diagnosis in the case of patients with no visible foreign body in the injury. Treatment is dependent on the clinical signs and on size and shape of the foreign body. Symptomatic foreign body embolism and large irregularly shaped foreign bodies should be extracted. When only a small foreign body with no clinical symptoms is present conservative management is most appropriate.