Fatal gunshot injury caused by an unusual projectile--a barrel-cleaning brush as a tandem bullet

The case of a man who committed suicide by shooting himself in the head is reported. The rifle used by the decedent had been cleaned with the use of a barrel-cleaning brush, which had become detached and had been retained in the barrel. The brush together with the usual projectile were propelled into the head. A highly unusual radiograph was obtained. The implantation of a barrel-cleaning brush in the skull has not been reported in the English literature. This case is reported because of its unique nature and because of possible misinterpretation of an unusual radiological appearance. The potential dangers of inadequate care during weapon cleaning are also discussed.