Citation

Hebbazi A, Afif H, El Khattabi W, Aichane A, Bouayad Z. Rev. Mal. Respir. 2010; 27(7): 724-728.

Vernacular Title

L'epingle a foulard: un nouveau corps etranger intrabronchique.

Affiliation

Service des maladies respiratoires, hôpital 20-août, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Maroc. hebbazi.afafe@menara.ma

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Masson Editeur)

DOI

10.1016/j.rmr.2010.06.021

PMID

20863973

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.

Language: fr