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[From the shotgun to the colon].
M Llanos Casado1, S Viñayo Zumalacárregui2, M P Aguilar Bono3
1Red de investigación de cuidados de la salud en atención primaria (RISCSAP), IIS Aragón, Enfermería de Atención Continuada, Sector 1 Zaragoza, Zaragoza, España.
Semergen
|May 11, 2025
Summary
Lead pellets from hunting ammunition can remain in game meat, posing health risks. A case report highlights retained pellets in the colon causing pain and elevated blood lead levels.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lead pellets are widely used in Spanish small-game hunting and can become embedded in consumed game meat.
- Retained pellets in the gastrointestinal tract may cause complications including perforations, inflammation, and lead absorption.
- Chronic lead intoxication is a potential risk associated with retained ammunition fragments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a patient with multiple retained lead pellets in the colon.
- To investigate the association between retained pellets, gastrointestinal symptoms, and elevated blood lead levels.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Clinical evaluation including assessment of groin pain and bowel habit changes.
- Measurement of blood lead levels.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with groin pain and altered bowel habits.
- Multiple lead pellets were identified within the colon.
- Elevated blood lead levels were detected, exceeding the normal range.
Conclusions:
- Retained lead pellets in the colon can lead to significant gastrointestinal issues and lead toxicity.
- This case underscores the potential health hazards of lead ammunition fragments in consumed game.
- Awareness and diagnostic vigilance are crucial for identifying such complications in at-risk individuals.
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