Citation

Clark JJ, Ho HC. J. Emerg. Med. 2012; 43(3): 428-430.

Affiliation

University of Hawaii Surgical Residency Program, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.10.013

PMID

20022197

Abstract

Background: Penetrating injuries to humans from marine life are rare occurrences. However, as more people partake in water sports, the incidence of reported marine injuries is increasing. Needlefish injuries to humans are extremely rare. An extensive review of the medical literature reveals only 22 cases previously reported. Most injuries reported have occurred in the Indo-Pacific region, but there are scattered reports worldwide. Objective: To report two cases of life-threatening penetrating abdominal injuries from needlefish impalement. Case Reports: A 19-year-old man was spear-fishing at night off Kahana Bay, Oahu, Hawaii when he was struck in the chest by a 4-foot needlefish. A 40-year-old healthy woman was paddling in a six-man outrigger canoe off of Molokai Island. A 2.5-foot needlefish had skipped out of the water in front of two other canoes and then bounced off her outrigger bar and stabbed the patient in the left lower abdomen Their injuries were a laceration of a branch of the left portal vein and a small bowel perforation, respectively. Both patients survived and recovered without incident. Conclusion: Although rare, penetrating injuries from needlefish can be life threatening.

Language: en