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05:18
Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
Needle in the haystack: purulent pericarditis from injection drug use
Johannes Steiner1, Ravi Dhingra, James T Devries
1Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
Summary
Central needle embolization, a rare complication of intravenous drug abuse, can lead to serious heart issues. This case highlights successful percutaneous removal of an infected needle fragment from the right ventricle, resolving purulent pericarditis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Central needle embolization is a rare but serious complication of intravenous drug use.
- Cases typically involve emboli to the heart, managed conservatively or surgically.
- Purulent pericarditis is an uncommon consequence of cardiac foreign bodies.
Observation:
- A patient presented with purulent pericarditis attributed to an infected, embolized needle fragment.
- The needle fragment was lodged in the right ventricle.
- No valvular vegetations were observed.
Findings:
- The infected needle fragment in the right ventricle was the cause of purulent pericarditis.
- Percutaneous removal of the foreign body was successfully performed.
- This represents a nontraditional intervention for this specific complication.
Implications:
- Percutaneous removal can be a viable, less invasive option for cardiac needle emboli.
- Highlights the potential for serious infections from retained foreign bodies in the heart.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering rare complications in intravenous drug users.
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