Pins and needles in the groin: an incidental finding of retained needle fragments in an intravenous drug user

Abstract

A female intravenous drug user was reviewed in A&E following a deliberate overdose. After claiming to have swallowed a razor blade, an abdominal radiograph was performed; this showed a linear metallic density projected over the right side of the pelvis, eventually identified as a needle fragment. Subsequent CT imaging revealed three additional needles situated within the groin. Duplex assessment also identified bilateral arteriovenous fistulae. The patient remained asymptomatic and was managed conservatively. She could recall several occasions when a needle had broken while injecting. This scenario was more likely if the needle had been used many times previously, causing it to become blunt and bent. There are cases reported of adverse patient outcomes secondary to broken needle fragments but awareness among medical professionals remains poor.

Exploring the uncommon: Unusual instance of retained fractured needles in a patient of intravenous drugs abuse

“…Finally, a 36-year-old IVDU patient presenting with a resultant intrapulmonic abscess after experiencing breakage of needles in his neck [6] . Fortunately, the retained needles in our case did not involve vessels like seen in other cases [7] . Nonetheless, these cases demonstrate some of the rare, but dangerous, downstream consequences of retained needles, necessitating earlier assessment, and prevention of these events.…”

Retained fragmented needle in intravenous drug users: An institutional experience and treatment protocol

“…9 Being foreign bodies, fragments may produce abscesses or cellulitis at injection sites. [10][11][12] Successful retrieval without major complications is possible with the help of a radiographic C-arm and ultrasound guidance. Nonetheless, with high risk of viral transmission, the procedure is not without hazard.…”