Delayed recognition of an uncommon cause of iatrogenic pneumothorax

The images enclosed from our case report show the subtle radiographic findings on the plain film, less subtle findings on computed tomographic scan, and what we believe is the first to be reported 3-dimensional reconstructed image of an acupuncture needle remaining in the chest after treatment. The case highlights the importance of looking for subtle abnormalities on imaging and the importance of history taking to finally establish a cause. We consider this an instructive case for internists and respirologists who should ask about this potential iatrogenic form of penetrating chest trauma when evaluating a patient for pneumothorax.