Head Scarf Pin in the Airway and Challenges in Rigid Bronchoscopy: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Medical Case Reports
• Respiratory Medicine
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Foreign body aspiration poses significant risks, particularly with sharp metallic objects.
• Metallic foreign bodies in the airway are typically visible on imaging like X-rays or CT scans.
• Hijab pins, used to secure headscarves, are small metallic objects that can be inadvertently aspirated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report cases of adolescent females aspirating hijab pins.
• To highlight the challenges encountered during the removal of aspirated hijab pins.
• To emphasize the importance of timely intervention for airway foreign bodies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of four cases of adolescent females with aspirated hijab pins.
• Description of diagnostic imaging (X-ray chest, CT chest) used for localization.
• Details of the instrumentation and techniques employed for pin removal.

Main Results:

• Four cases of accidental hijab pin aspiration in adolescent females were successfully managed.
• Challenges during removal included pin location, patient cooperation, and instrument manipulation.
• All pins were removed without significant immediate complications, preventing life-threatening outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Aspirated hijab pins present a unique challenge in airway foreign body management.
• Timely diagnosis and appropriate endoscopic intervention are critical for favorable outcomes.
• Awareness and prompt medical evaluation are essential to avoid severe complications from hijab pin aspiration.