Accidental Inhalation of Scarf Pin: A Distinct Respiratory Emergency

Abstract

Background: The accidental inhalation of scarf pins, a growing and preventable respiratory emergency, predominantly affects veiled Muslim women who hold pins in their mouths while adjusting headscarves. This unique cultural hazard poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and has important public health implications.

Objective: To present our institutional experience with scarf pin inhalation over a 32-year period, detailing the epidemiological, clinical, and radiological characteristics, management approaches, outcomes, and the importance of preventive strategies.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study at the Respiratory Department of Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco, analyzing the medical records of 56 female patients admitted for scarf pin inhalation between January 1994 and June 2026. Data collected included demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, radiological findings, management, outcomes, and procedure-related complications.

Results: All cases involved veiled Muslim women, primarily adolescents and young adults. Most incidents occurred during scarf fixation, often while talking or laughing with the pin held between the lips. The diagnosis was confirmed radiologically in all cases. Spontaneous expulsion occurred in four patients. Flexible bronchoscopy was performed as the first-line extraction procedure in 52 patients and was successful in 47 cases (90.4%). Thoracotomy was required in four patients, while one patient underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy following inadvertent ingestion of the pin.

Conclusion: The accidental inhalation of scarf pins represents a rising respiratory emergency closely linked to cultural practices. Increasing healthcare providers' vigilance and implementing focused educational initiatives are crucial steps to lower the occurrence and prevent the complications of this preventable condition.

Citation

Maaroufi M, Mitre H, Harraz H, Jalloul W, Chaanoun K, Laklaai Z, et al. Accidental Inhalation of Scarf Pin: A Distinct Respiratory Emergency. WebLog J Emerg Med. wjem.2026. h0305. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21862916