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Neurological Rehabilitation

MRI Scout Images Detect Residual Acupuncture Needle: A Case Report

Thursday, October 23, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM MT
Location: Open Kiosks
Disclosure(s):
Angelina Fluet, MD: No financial relationships to disclose
Case Diagnosis: A 76-year-old patient with multiple sclerosis was found to have a retained acupuncture needle during routine imaging.

Case Description or Program Description: The patient was admitted for a comprehensive annual evaluation of multiple sclerosis (MS), where Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of his brain and cervical spine were ordered to assess disease burden. An MRI screening form was completed by two physicians independently, and no contraindications were identified. The patient had known hardware from a cervical fusion, shoulder replacement, and dental work, but had no history of brain surgery or intracranial metal. Scout images were obtained prior to the MRI, and the study was aborted when a metallic foreign body was identified in left mastoid air cells.

Setting: Rehabilitation unit in an acute care hospital

Assessment/Results: An X-Ray of the patient’s skull was obtained and confirmed the presence of a foreign body. Follow up computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bones determine it to be in the left external auditory canal. Upon further questioning, the patient was receiving Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA), a type of acupuncture that involves placing small needles around the ear, though no needles were visible on physical exam. Otolaryngology was consulted for removal of the foreign body, which was officially identified as a 3mm BFA needle. The patient was able to get MRI scans after repeat skull X-Ray confirmed its successful removal.

Discussion (relevance): BFA is a type of auricular acupuncture used to treat chronic pain. BFA needles vary in size and MRI compatibility, and can remain in place for several days. Because the patient was in an acute care hospital, timely evaluation and removal of the foreign body occurred, preventing delays in care.

Conclusions: Patients receiving BFA may warrant additional MRI screening to ensure safety. For this population, utilizing screening radiographs should be considered as an additional safety check.