Subcutaneous acupuncture needle fragments
Abstract
75 y/o Korean male with chest pain.
Keywords
Chest
Publication Date: 31 October 2003
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History and Images
75 y/o Korean male with chest pain.
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Findings
Dozens of short pieces of wire are noted in the subcutaneous soft tissues overlying the shoulders and back.
Diagnosis
Subcutaneous acupuncture needle fragments
Discussion
Some forms of acupucture involve the deliberate placement of "permanent" silver or gold needles into the the patient. This are typically 1 cm in length and at one time may have been needles broken off deliberately but more recently involve the injection of short needles using a spring-loaded syringe. Though they are intended to remain subcutaneous, reports of migration into the abdomen and chest are present with resulting complications.
References
- Gerard PS, Wilck E, Schiano T. Imaging implications in the evaluation of permanent needle acupuncture. Clin Imaging 1993;17:36-40.