title: Multiple self-inserted pins and nails in pericardium in a patient of schizophrenia: Case report and review.
abstract: 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%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Allied Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Soren
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Allied Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
authors.lastname: Surjit
authors.affiliation: Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed University), Rural Medical College, Loni, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chaudhury
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Bakhla
keywords: Major self mutilation; pain insensitivity; pericardial cavity; schizophrenia