[Scarf pin: a new intrabronchial foreign body].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to illustrate the dangers of holding a scarf pin in the mouth and to describe the particular characteristics of the aspiration of a potentially penetrating foreign body and its management.


METHODS
Sixteen cases of inhaled scarf pins were recorded in 2 years. They were all young girls, all veiled with a mean age of 16.6 years. The patients put the pin between their lips while fixing their scarves. Inhalation was accidental in all cases.


RESULTS
The most common presentation after inhalation was a penetration syndrome (66.7 %). The localization of the foreign body was significantly more frequent in the right bronchial tree (68.7 %). The delay between inhalation and admission to the service ranged from some hours to 15 days with a mean of 2.6 days. Extraction using flexible bronchoscopy was successful in 10 cases. The use of rigid bronchoscopy was required in one case. A spontaneous expulsion of the scarf pin occurred in five cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Scarf pin inhalation is a potential cultural hazard in women who wear the Islamic headscarf. Careful handling of these potentially sharp objects away from the mouth can prevent such accidents.
Hebbazi
A
A
Service des maladies respiratoires, hôpital 20-août, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Maroc. hebbazi.afafe@menara.ma
Afif
H
H
El Khattabi
W
W
Aichane
A
A
Bouayad
Z
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001980:Bronchi; D003020:Clothing; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D055815:Young Adult