Needle in the heart. Management of penetrating foreign body in an intracardiac chamber: A case report and scoping literature review.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Penetrating thoracic trauma with retained foreign bodies, such as needles, is rare. These injuries present management challenges due to diverse aetiologies and potential complications, including tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, and major haemorrhage. Cardiac penetration can result in arrhythmias, ischaemia, valvular and septal defects. Effective management depends on patient status, injury mechanism, and resources.

Case presentation

A 2-year-old girl presented with left chest wall pain after falling. Examination revealed a small puncture wound and a rhythmic bulge at the left fifth intercostal space. She was stable, with normal vitals and no respiratory distress. Imaging, including chest X-ray and echocardiography, revealed a 40 mm needle in the left ple

SUBMITTER: Brown IG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11332187 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature