Open AccessMultiple self-inserted pins and nails in pericardium in a patient of schizophrenia: Case report and review
Author(s) -
Subhas Soren,
Surjit,
Sadia R. Chaudhury,
Ajay Kumar Bakhla
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
industrial psychiatry journal/industrial psychiatry journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 0976-2795
pISSN - 0972-6748
DOI - 10.4103/0972-6748.160959
Subject(s) - palpitations , medicine , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , depression (economics) , pericardium , psychiatry , burning sensation , pericardial cavity , surgery , economics , macroeconomics
This report is the case of multiple self-inserted pins and nails in chest and pericardial cavity in a young male suffering from schizophrenia. This act of self-mutilation was done to get relief from burning sensation in chest and palpitations. Review of the relevant literature revealed that self-inflicted intra-cardiac needle injuries occur mainly in young and middle-aged adults suffering from psychiatric disorders, commonly depression, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. In one-fourth of the patients, it is due to deliberate self-harm. About 70% use a single needle but 30% may use multiple needles. Second attempts are rare. Majority of the patients (85%) are managed by surgery and recover from the injury. The condition has a low mortality rate of 5%.