Navigating the complexity of spinal cord injuries with retained foreign bodies and the diagnostic challenge of lead toxicity-a case reportaaa.
Spinal Cord Ser Cases
; 10(1): 28, 2024 Apr 23.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38653970
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Retained shrapnel from gunshots is a common occurrence; however, retained shrapnel within the spinal canal is exceedingly uncommon. Guidelines for removal and treatment of these cases are a difficult topic, as surgical removal is not necessarily without consequence, and retention can lead to possible further injury or a secondary disease process of plumbism, which can be difficult to diagnose in this population. CASE PRESENTATION This case report provides a unique example of a young patient with retained shrapnel from a gunshot. This patient suffered an initial spinal cord injury due to a gunshot and secondarily presented with abdominal pain, fatigue, elevated blood lead levels, and was diagnosed with plumbism. This was addressed with operative removal of shrapnel and posterior instrumented spinal fusion, resulting in decreased lead levels and symptom resolution postoperatively.DISCUSSION:
Lead toxicity risk in patients with retained shrapnel, particularly in the spine, warrants vigilant monitoring. While management guidelines lack consensus, symptomatic lead toxicity may necessitate intervention. Residual neurological deficits complicate evaluation, emphasizing individualized management decisions.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Spinal Cord Injuries
/
Wounds, Gunshot
/
Foreign Bodies
/
Lead Poisoning
Limits:
Child
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Spinal Cord Ser Cases
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States
Country of publication:
United kingdom