Unusual metallic penile foreign body.

To cite: Gunasekaran K, Murthi S. BMJ Case Rep Published online: [please include Day Month Year] doi:10.1136/bcr-2017219377 DESCRIPTION A man aged 85 years with severe dementia was brought to the emergency room by his wife because of gross haematuria and increasing agitation for a few days. Blood pressure was 89/ 56 mm Hg, heart rate 96 bpm and oxygen saturation 94% on room air. His abdomen was mildly distended in the suprapubic area without significant tenderness and a hard mass was palpated on the ventral side of the penile shaft. Laboratory studies showed septicaemia. CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a 6 cm bullet-shaped foreign body within the penile urethra (figures 1 and 2) and trace bilateral hydronephrosis. A 2 inch intact bullet was removed by urology without complications. The patient’s wife stated that they had guns and ammunition in the house, but she did not know where he obtained this bullet. The patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and his overall status improved. Common causes of penile urethral foreign body include auto-erection and psychiatric disorders such as mental retardation and dementia. Foreign bodies in the penile urethra can be a diagnostic challenge. Most patients feel guilty and delay seeking help, so careful history and physical examination are essential. Symptoms may range from lower abdominal pain, swelling or pain in the body of the penis, haematuria, pyuria or urinary retention. An ultrasonogram, pelvic X-ray or CTof the abdomen and pelvis can be useful to identify a foreign body’s shape and position. Definitive management includes complete removal of the foreign body with endoscopy, meatotomy, or internal or external urethrotomy. Owing to the association of psychiatric disease, further evaluation is recommended to help prevent future episodes.