A 35-year-old man in China presented to a hospital with symptoms of discomfort during urination and blood in his urine. Initial examinations revealed stable vital signs and no obvious distress, but imaging tests detected unusual shadows near his heart. A contrast-enhanced CT scan uncovered multiple needle-like metallic foreign bodies scattered throughout his body, including one that had pierced his pericardium—the fluid-filled sac surrounding his heart. The most alarming finding was a 1.4-inch needle embedded in the pericardium, posing a life-threatening risk. Doctors suspected self-embedding, a form of non-suicidal self-injury where individuals deliberately insert foreign objects into their bodies. This behavior, though rare, has been documented since the 1930s, with historical cases including serial killer Albert Fish, who had nearly 30 needles embedded in his groin and abdomen. The patient had a history of intellectual disability and had previously undergone surgery to remove two foreign objects from his abdomen. Despite the absence of visible entry wounds, surgeons successfully removed the needle from the pericardium, which was corroded, indicating prolonged presence. Post-surgery, the patient's heart function declined due to the needle injury and surgical stress, but he stabilized within nine days and remained clinically stable at a nine-month follow-up. Doctors opted to monitor the remaining objects rather than risk complications from their removal. The case highlights the serious health risks associated with self-embedding, including infection, tissue damage, and potential organ complications. It also underscores the need for specialized medical and psychological care for individuals engaging in such behaviors.

Huesos de Cristal 🦴💎 #enfermedad #medicalcase #medicalstudent #antropologiaforense #osteologia #huesosdecristal #fractura #aprendeeninstagram #divulgacion #divulgacioncientifica #cienc...

Brain tumors suspected in Spain patient were later identified as tapeworm larvae, CDC case report says.

This clinical case highlights the diagnostic importance of evaluating possible causes of anemia with basic labs first

A man was diagnosed with skeletal fluorosis, which likely emerged due to him inhaling substances that damaged his bones.