How many pins? A case report of a girl who swallowed more than 50 straight pins in a suicide attempt

Abstract

A 14-year-old girl was admitted after attempting suicide by swallowing over 50 pins. On admission, she complained of abdominal pain. A flat abdominal X-ray revealed numerous needle-like objects in the large intestine. After a period of observation we were able to diagnose her as suffering from a major depressive episode with psychotic features, post-traumatic stress disorder, physical abuse, neglect and inhalant abuse. Medically, the pins were spontaneously evacuated with her stools without any intervention. The mode of the suicide attempt was an important clue to raise suspicion of a psychotic episode. Two issues are discussed: 1) A "psychiatric" issue: the way in which an attempt is made should be considered as a factor not just for the evaluation of the suicidal risk, but also for the psychopathology. This case demonstrates that a bizarre attempt should raise the suspicion of a psychotic disorder. 2) A "general medical" issue: our experience with this patient was in accordance with common medical expectant management for patients who have swallowed multiple sharp objects once they have reached the large intestine. We conclude: 1) In the preliminary psychiatric evaluation, more emphasis should be placed on how bizarre the means of the suicide attempt as a possible sign of a psychotic psychopathology. 2) Treatment for adolescents who swallow numerous sharp objects should consist of expectant management once those objects reach the large intestine.