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The CT appearance of intraoral chewing gum

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Abstract

When imaged, intraoral chewing gum has the potential to be misdiagnosed. Chewing gum has a characteristic appearance on CT: it is ovoid in shape, hyperdense, and has small internal locules of air. Reports have described the appearance of gum on radiographs and abdominal CT images; however, no reports could be found detailing its appearance within the mouth. This report describes the appearance of intraoral chewing gum as well as the properties of the gum that lead to this appearance. Because of the potential for misdiagnosis, screening for intraoral foreign bodies should be considered prior to imaging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA

    Alexander J. Towbin

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  1. Alexander J. Towbin
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Correspondence to Alexander J. Towbin.

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Towbin, A.J. The CT appearance of intraoral chewing gum. Pediatr Radiol 38, 1350–1352 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-008-0980-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-008-0980-0

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