IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Subcutaneous acupuncture needle fragments

Case contributed by J. Ray Ballinger
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Korean male with chest pain.

Patient Data

Age: 75 years
Gender: Male

Dozens of short pieces of wire are noted in the subcutaneous soft tissues overlying the shoulders and back.

Case Discussion

Some forms of acupuncture involve the deliberate placement of "permanent" silver or gold needles into the patient. These 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.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.