Two cases of penetrating abdominal injury from needlefish impalement

Abstract

Background: Needlefish injuries to humans are extremely rare. An extensive review of the medical literature reveals only 22 cases previously reported. Most injuries reported have occurred in the Indo-Pacific region, but there are scattered reports worldwide.

Objective: To report two cases of life-threatening penetrating abdominal injuries from needlefish impalement.

Case report: A 19-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman were both struck in the abdomen by a needlefish and required emergent exploratory laparotomy for instability. Their injuries were a laceration of a branch of the left portal vein and a small bowel perforation, respectively. Both patients survived and recovered without incident.

Conclusion: Although rare, penetrating injuries from needlefish can be life threatening. Treatment should be directed at the organ injured with appropriate antibiotic coverage.