Incidental discovery of radiopaque pills on abdominal CT in a patient with abdominal pain

Abstract

We present a case in which a young female ingested several tablets of an over-the-counter cough and cold remedy over the course of a week. Pill fragments were identifiable and incidentally discovered when a CT scan of the abdomen was performed to evaluate the cause of her abdominal pain. Discovery of radiopaque pills on diagnostic imaging studies warrants further history and appropriate testing to rule out a life-threatening ingestion.

Keywords: :

• CHIPES
• Diagnostic imaging
• Radiopaque pills