A Clinical Case Study on Scarf Pin Ingestion: Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Background: Foreign body ingestion, whether accidental or intentional, is a common occurrence and the second most frequent indication for emergency endoscopy. Symptoms can vary significantly depending on the patient, the type of foreign body, and its location, ranging from no clinical signs to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. However, another type of accidental ingestion—scarf pin ingestion—has been increasingly reported among young Muslim girls, drawing growing attention. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted, including four patients who were admitted to the emergency department after swallowing a scarf pin. Results: Four veiled young women were admitted to the emergency department after accidentally swallowing a pin they had been holding between their lips while adjusting their veils. Plain abdominal radiographs taken at admission revealed a needle-shaped metallic shadow in the gastric region in all patients. Endoscopic extraction was successfully performed in all cases. Follow-up endoscopy confirmed the absence of mucosal lacerations in the esophagus or stomach, allowing all patients to be discharged the same day. Conclusion: Although this accident can be prevented, increasing public awareness of its potential complications is essential to reducing its occurrence.