Acupuncture needles: a "new" foreign body in the ear

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Acupuncture Therapy

Background:

• Acupuncture therapy and anesthesia are increasingly popular in the United States.
• Patients undergoing acupuncture therapy have temporary needles placed in the external ear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To familiarize radiologists with temporary ear needles used in acupuncture.
• To identify these needles as iatrogenic foreign bodies on imaging.

Main Methods:

• Review of routine skull and mastoid examinations.
• Identification of metallic radiopaque needles in the external ear.

Main Results:

• Metallic radiopaque needles from acupuncture are visible on skull and mastoid imaging.
• These needles represent a "new" iatrogenic foreign body.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists may encounter acupuncture needles during routine imaging.
• Familiarity with this iatrogenic foreign body is essential for accurate interpretation.