[Scarf pin: a new intrabronchial foreign body]

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to illustrate the dangers of holding a scarf pin in the mouth and to describe the particular characteristics of the aspiration of a potentially penetrating foreign body and its management.

Patients and methods: Sixteen cases of inhaled scarf pins were recorded in 2 years. They were all young girls, all veiled with a mean age of 16.6 years. The patients put the pin between their lips while fixing their scarves. Inhalation was accidental in all cases.

Results: The most common presentation after inhalation was a penetration syndrome (66.7 %). The localization of the foreign body was significantly more frequent in the right bronchial tree (68.7 %). The delay between inhalation and admission to the service ranged from some hours to 15 days with a mean of 2.6 days. Extraction using flexible bronchoscopy was successful in 10 cases. The use of rigid bronchoscopy was required in one case. A spontaneous expulsion of the scarf pin occurred in five cases.

Conclusion: Scarf pin inhalation is a potential cultural hazard in women who wear the Islamic headscarf. Careful handling of these potentially sharp objects away from the mouth can prevent such accidents.