shrapnel

Introduction

• fragments or debris propelled by explosion, often in reference to metallic foreign bodies

Clinical significance

• retained shrapnel in the body, particularly presence near vital organ structures is a contraindication for MRI

Notes

• derived from the name Henry Shrapnel, an english artillary officer.
• in 1784, Henry Shrapnel designed a hollow spherical projectile filled with shot & an exposive charge to detonate in midair, scattering the shot & shell fragments