A case of needle embolism in a drug abuser, a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Abstract

Abstract Background Needle embolism is a rare complication of intravenous habit. Clinical manifestations include recurrent pericarditis, tamponade, cardiac perforation, and infective endocarditis. We describe the case of needle embolization in a young intravenous opiate abuser. Case presentation We describe a rare complication of intravenous misuse in a 23-year-old patient. He presented at the emergency department with chest pain and shortness of breath. He complained of remittent fever ensued 6 months before. Echocardiographic and radiologic images revealed pericardial effusion and a needle fragment inside the pericardium. The needle was removed through left-anterior mini-thoracotomy, after CT-guided carbon tracking. Conclusions The presence of a foreign body within the heart resulted from the migration of a needle fragment from a peripheral vessel. It caused fever and recurrent pericarditis. In similar cases, surgical extraction is the therapy of choice.