A Round-Shaped, Radio-Opaque Foreign Body on Chest Radiograph, Identified as an Intact Lanthanum Carbonate Tablet

Authors

  • Nuttapat Tungtrongchitr Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
  • Massupa Krisem Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
  • Lerkiat Wicharit Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Ratchasima, Faculty of Nursing, Praboromarajchanok Institute, Nakhon Ratchasima
  • Supawadee Suppadungsuk Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
  • Kanin Thammavaranucupt Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.5984

Abstract

Lanthanum carbonate is a phosphate binder in the form of a chewable tablet commonly prescribed in chronic kidney disease patients. We reported an unusual radio-opaque foreign body accidentally found in a chest X-ray of a coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia patient. Due to awareness of mimicking other conditions (e.g., button battery or coin ingestion), an urgent endoscopy was performed. An intact lanthanum carbonate tablet was found in the upper stomach and was removed successfully. Physicians should be aware of unchewed lanthanum carbonate tablets when a metallic-like object is detected on the chest radiograph of a lanthanum carbonate user.

Endoscopic removal of an intact lanthanum carbonate tablet.

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Published

2026-02-06

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Interesting Image

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Radiology Case Reports

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