We present a case of a 50-year-old female with a 2-day history of back and abdominal Baby copyright pain who was discovered to have innumerable chronically retained acupuncture needles, which had migrated throughout her abdomen and pelvis.Although many of these needles were in precarious positions, including the epidural space, renal parenchyma, small bowel, and vasculature, there was no evidence for acute injury.We also briefly discuss evidence for the magnetic VANILLA ICE CREAM resonance imaging compatibility of acupuncture needles.
Although a rare complication, given the high frequency of acupuncture therapy in the United States, physicians must be aware of the potential for retained and migrated needles.