Extensive Subcutaneous Needle Fragment Retention Due to Injecting Drug Use

Deaths in those with a history of injecting drug use commonly come to the attention of forensic pathologists, and therefore, one must have knowledge of possible findings and hazards of performing autopsies in these cases. This case demonstrates the finding of extensive retained broken needles in the subcutis of the arms and femoral region in a man with a long history of injecting drug use. While few or single broken needles are not uncommonly encountered, the multiplicity of needles in this case is noteworthy. We have demonstrated the findings both radiologically with PMCT and by conventional autopsy.