Retained Foreign Body in the Breast Following a Motor Vehicle Collision: A Case Report

Background: Unintentionally retained foreign bodies in the breast are a rare phenomenon. Most reported cases are iatrogenically derived from surgeries and procedures. Only a handful of reported cases refer to noniatrogenic causes, including bullets, a sewing needle, and a headscarf pin. However, there are no reports to date that describe a retained foreign body in the breast after a motor vehicle collision or a similar traumatic event or from a decorative steering wheel emblem decal. Case Description: We report the case of a 25-year-old female who was involved in a motor vehicle collision with airbag deployment that led to a left breast retained foreign body, a steering wheel emblem decal. On presentation to the emergency room, she reported left chest pain associated with a puncture wound lateral to the left nipple. Imaging at that time was consistent with a metallic object embedded in the subcutaneous tissue of the left breast. Four months after the accident, the patient continued having daily burning pain in the associated area. As such, surgical excision was recommended, and wire-localized excision of the foreign body was subsequently performed. Grossly, the foreign body appeared as a metallic object with rhinestones, which the patient confirmed was a decorative emblem decal that was on her steering wheel. The postoperative course was uncomplicated, and follow-up examinations revealed resolution of the left breast pain. Conclusions: This case underscores a unique presentation after a common accident-a retained foreign body in the breast after a motor vehicle collision-and its successful surgical intervention leading to a favorable postoperative course. Notably, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently advised drivers against adding decorative emblem decals to their steering wheels for this reason. The case therefore highlights safety precautions that should be taken regarding the addition of this type of accessory.