Foreign body reaction

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Foreign body reaction
Foreign body reaction to a perforated intrauterine device (IUD)
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Inflammation, granuloma formation
Complications	Infection, tissue necrosis, scarring
Onset	Variable, depending on the foreign body
Duration	Persistent until the foreign body is removed
Types	N/A
Causes	Presence of a foreign body in the tissue
Risks	Surgery, trauma, implantation of medical devices
Diagnosis	Histopathology, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Infection, autoimmune disease
Prevention	Careful surgical technique, use of biocompatible materials
Treatment	Removal of the foreign body, anti-inflammatory medications
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good if the foreign body is removed
Frequency	Common in cases of retained foreign bodies
Deaths	N/A

A biological response to foreign materials in the body

Foreign body reaction is a complex biological response of body tissues to any foreign material in the tissue. This reaction is part of the body's defense mechanism and involves various immune cells and processes. It is a type of inflammation that occurs when the body recognizes a material as foreign and attempts to isolate and remove it.

Pathophysiology

The foreign body reaction is initiated when a foreign material is introduced into the body. This can occur through various means, such as surgical implantation, accidental injury, or inhalation. The body recognizes the material as foreign and mounts an immune response.

Initial Response

The initial response to a foreign body involves the activation of the innate immune system. Neutrophils are among the first cells to arrive at the site of the foreign material. They attempt to phagocytize the material, but if it is too large, they release enzymes and reactive oxygen species to degrade it.

Chronic Inflammation

If the foreign material persists, the acute inflammatory response transitions to chronic inflammation. Macrophages play a central role in this phase. They adhere to the surface of the foreign material and attempt to engulf it. If unsuccessful, they fuse to form foreign body giant cells.

Foreign body granuloma

Granuloma Formation

A granuloma is a collection of immune cells that forms around the foreign material. It consists of macrophages, giant cells, and other immune cells. The purpose of the granuloma is to isolate the foreign material from the surrounding tissue.

Clinical Implications

Foreign body reactions can have significant clinical implications, especially in the context of medical implants and biomaterials.

Implantation of Biomaterials

When a biomaterial is implanted, the body may recognize it as foreign and mount a foreign body reaction. This can lead to complications such as implant failure or chronic inflammation.

Host reactions to biomaterial implantation

Surgical Sutures

Sutures are a common source of foreign body reactions. The body may react to the suture material, leading to inflammation and delayed healing.

Suture material

Inhalation of Particles

Inhalation of foreign particles, such as talc or asbestos, can lead to foreign body reactions in the lungs. This can result in conditions such as pulmonary talcosis.

Pulmonary talcosis

Management

The management of foreign body reactions involves removing the foreign material if possible and treating the inflammation. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the material.

See also

• Inflammation
• Granuloma
• Biomaterial
• Implant (medicine)