Self-inserted intraorbital foreign bodies

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2005 Mar;21(2):156-7. doi: 10.1097/01.iop.0000156093.83033.a0.

Abstract

We report an unusual case of self-mutilation by insertion of multiple foreign bodies in the orbit. A 26-year-old female psychiatric patient with a severe emotionally unstable personality disorder was reviewed in the ophthalmology clinic. She had allegedly inserted a metal staple into her right eye 2 days previously and was complaining of pain around the right eye. Radiography showed multiple foreign bodies in the right orbit and one in the left orbit. Self-mutilation in psychiatric patients has been well documented. The management of nonorganic, nontoxic intraorbital foreign bodies is discussed. A low threshold for imaging in these cases is of vital importance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eye Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Eye Foreign Bodies / etiology*
  • Eye Injuries, Penetrating / diagnostic imaging
  • Eye Injuries, Penetrating / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Orbit / diagnostic imaging
  • Orbit / injuries*
  • Radiography
  • Self Mutilation / diagnostic imaging
  • Self Mutilation / etiology*