Heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego. Atipicidad en orificios de entrada y el fenómeno de ''cola de cometa": Reporte de caso / Gunshot wounds. Atypicality in entry holes and the "comet tail" phenomenon: Case report

El análisis de los orificios de entrada por proyectil de arma de fuego en una autopsia médico legal representa un importante papel en la determinación de la forma y causa de muerte en casos relacionados con armas de fuego. Su valoración puede proporcionar información valiosa sobre las características del arma utilizada, la distancia entre el arma de fuego y la víctima, entre otros factores que contribuyen a la investigación. El fenómeno de ''cola de cometa" observado en ciertos orificios de entrada es poco frecuente y conocido. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este artículo es investigar las características y mecanismos de producción de los orificios de entrada con este fenómeno, proporcionando información sobre su formación, las posibles implicaciones y consideraciones médico legales a tomar en cuenta para su diagnóstico de esta causa de muerte. Se presenta un reporte de caso que destaca la descripción del fenómeno de ''cola de cometa" en una investigación forense de la vida real, proporcionando información valiosa sobre su utilidad y potencial para mejorar la precisión del análisis de heridas de bala. Se realizó revisión de artículos científicos, sobre orificios de entrada en heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego con el fenómeno de ''cola de cometa".

The analysis of firearm projectile entry holes in a medicolegal autopsy plays an important role in determining the manner and cause of death in cases involving firearms. The assessment can provide valuable information about the characteristics of the weapon used, the distance between the firearm and the victim, among other factors that contribute to the investigation. The ''comet tail" phenomenon observed in certain entry holes is rare and well known. Therefore, the objective of this article is to investigate the characteristics and mechanisms of production of the entrance orifices with this phenomenon, providing information about their formation, the possible implications, and medical-legal considerations to be taken into account for the diagnosis of this cause of death. A case report is presented highlighting the description of the ''comet tail" phenomenon in a real-life forensic investigation, providing valuable insight into its utility and potential to improve the accuracy of gunshot wound analysis. A review of scientific articles was carried out on entry holes in gunshot wounds with the "comet tail" phenomenon.

Retirada de projetil de arma de fogo alojado em assoalho infraorbitário com preservação do globo ocular: relato de caso / Removal of a firearm projectile lodged in the infraorbital floor with preservation of the eyeball: case report

Objetivo: relatar um caso de ferimento por arma de fogo (FAF), com projétil balístico alojado em região infraorbitária à esquerda, relatando tratamento cirúrgico de urgência para exérese do projetil por acesso subciliar. Relato do caso: Paciente do gênero masculino, 18 anos, foi encaminhado ao pronto socorro do Hospital Universitário por conta de ferimento por arma de fogo. Ao exame clínico, foi verificado discreto aumento de volume em região cervical e hemiface à esquerda, ausência de sangramento em face; presença de limitação para infraversão de olho esquerdo. O orifício de entrada do projetil foi identificado em região de tórax superior posterior à esquerda; após realização de tomografia de face, confirmou-se fratura de assoalho orbitário esquerdo, assim como projétil alojado abaixo do globo ocular. O ato cirúrgico foi realizado com caráter de urgência pela equipe de Cirurgia e Traumatologia Bucomaxilofacial. Discussão: estudos descrevem a importância da realização do adequado manejo de lesões traumáticas decorrentes de FAF seguido de remoção do projetil com urgência, visto que as complicações ao postergar o tempo cirúrgico só agravam o quadro clínico do paciente, além das afecções futuras que podem surgir com o decorrer da resolução do caso clínico. Conclusão: ratifica-se a importância da multidisciplinariedade entres as clínicas médicas, assim como, o correto manejo do paciente traumatizado, baseado nos critérios que conduzem o plano de tratamento.(AU)

Aim: to report a case of gunshot wound, with ballistic projectile lodged in the left infraorbital region, reporting emergency surgical treatment for projectile exeresis by subciliary access. Case Report: An 18-year-old male patient was referred to the emergency department of the University Hospital due to a gunshot wound. On clinical examination, it was found slight increase in volume in the cervical region and left hemiface, absence of bleeding in the face; presence of limitation to infraversion of the left eye. The entrance hole of the projectile was identified in the posterior left upper thorax region; after a tomography of the face, a fracture of the left orbital floor was confirmed, as well as the projectile lodged below the eyeball. The surgery was urgently performed by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team. Discussion: Studies describe the importance of performing the proper management of traumatic injuries resulting from FAF followed by removal of the projectile with urgency, since the complications to postpone the surgical time only aggravate the clinical picture of the patient, in addition to future problems that may arise with the resolution of the clinical case. Conclusion: the importance of multidisciplinarity among medical clinics is ratified, as well as the correct management of the traumatized patient, based on the criteria that lead to the treatment plan.(AU)

Management of spinal gunshot wound injuries / Manejo das lesões por arma de fogo na coluna vertebral / Manejo de lesiones por arma de fuego en la columna

ABSTRACT Objectives Elaborate a care protocol for spinal gunshot wounds (GSWs), based on the experience of more than fifteen years of treating this type of injury. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the electronic medical record data of a tertiary hospital related to the treatment of spinal GSWs between January 2002 and January 2018. Results The management proposed was applied to 700 patients. Epidemiological data collected describes the population served. Conclusions An easy-to-use treatment flowchart was developed that, according to factors related to the neurological condition, projectile location, lesion stability and additional criteria, allows the objective determination of the best treatment option for each case. Level of evidence II; Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivos Elaborar um protocolo de atendimento para ferimentos por arma de fogo (FAF) na coluna vertebral, com base na experiência de mais de quinze anos de atendimento desse tipo de lesão. Métodos Realizou-se uma análise transversal retrospectiva dos dados do prontuário eletrônico de um hospital terciário referentes ao atendimento de FAF na coluna vertebral entre janeiro de 2002 e janeiro de 2018. Resultados O manejo proposto foi aplicado a 700 pacientes. Os dados epidemiológicos coletados mostram a população atendida. Conclusões Foi elaborado um fluxograma de tratamento de uso fácil que, de acordo com fatores relacionados com o quadro neurológico, a localização do projétil, a estabilidade da lesão e critérios adicionais, permite determinar objetivamente a melhor opção de tratamento para cada caso. Nível de evidência II; Estudo Retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivos Desarrollar un protocolo de atención a las heridas por arma de fuego (HAF) en la columna vertebral, basado en la experiencia de más de quince años en la atención a este tipo de lesiones. Métodos Se realizó un análisis transversal retrospectivo de los datos de la historia clínica electrónica de un hospital terciario sobre la atención en casos de HAF en la columna vertebral entre enero de 2002 y enero de 2018. Resultados Se aplicó el tratamiento propuesto a 700 pacientes. Los datos epidemiológicos recopilados muestran la población atendida. Conclusiones Se desarrolló un diagrama de flujo de tratamiento de fácil de usar que, de acuerdo a factores relacionados con la condición neurológica, ubicación del proyectil, estabilidad de la lesión y criterios adicionales, permite determinar objetivamente la mejor opción de tratamiento para cada caso. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio Retrospectivo.

Fixação funcionalmente estável no tratamento de sequela de fratura cominutiva de mandíbula por PAF / Functionally stable fixation in the treatment of comminuted jaw fracture by firearm projectile

Introdução: em traumas de alta energia por projéteis de arma de fogo (PAF), pode ocorrer a cominuição da mandíbula. Quando não identificadas ou tratadas de maneira equivocada, essas injúrias podem comprometer a saúde do indivíduo, com graves complicações estéticas e funcionais. Objetivo: o objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de tratamento cirúrgico de sequela de ferimento por arma de fogo com fratura cominutiva em região de sínfise mandibular. Relato do caso: paciente procurou o serviço de cirurgia e traumatologia bucomaxilofacial após tratamento cirúrgico insatisfatório de fratura mandibular por PAF. Observou-se clinicamente mobilidade em manipulação, exposição óssea e drenagem purulenta. Na tomografia, observou-se gap ósseo, descontinuidade na base mandibular e material de osteossíntese inadequado. Foi proposta uma abordagem cirúrgica para instalação de placa de reconstrução do sistema 2.4 mm. Em acompanhamento pós-operatório, o paciente evoluiu com abertura bucal funcional e satisfatória, sem mobilidade nos fragmentos ósseos, arcabouço mandibular restabelecido e adequado posicionamento do material de fixação. Considerações finais: os casos de cominuição óssea apresentam características individuais que devem ser levadas em consideração em seu manejo. Nesses casos, a escolha do material de fixação é fundamental para o sucesso terapêutico e o uso de prototipagem soma para uma condução satisfatória do caso, garantindo menor tempo cirúrgico e melhor adaptação da placa. (AU)

Introduction: in high energy traumas caused by firearm projectiles may occur comminutive mandibular fractures. When it is not identified or inappropriately treated, these injuries can compromisse the individual's health, with serious aesthetics and funcional complications. Objective: the aim of this study is report a case of surgical treatment of sequelae from firearm injury with comminutive fracture in the region of mandibular symphysis. Case report: patient sought the service of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology after 1 month of unsatisfactory surgical treatment of a mandibular fracture caused by firearm projectile. Clinical examination revealed mobility to manipulation and bone exposure with purulent drainage. Computed tomography of the face shows bad fracture consolidation in the anterior region of the mandible with bone gap and discontinuity in the mandibular base and inadequate and poorly positioned osteosynthesis material. It was then proposed a new surgical approach with instalation of the reconstruction plate of 2.4mm locking system. In postoperative follow-up, the patient evolved with a functional and satisfactory mouth opening, with no mobility in bone fragments, restored mandibular framework and adequate positioning of the fixation material. Final considerations: the cases of comminutive bone fractures show particular features that should be considered in their handling. In these cases, the choice of the fixation material is critical to therapeutic success and the use of prototyping sum for a satisfactory conduction of the case, ensuring shorter surgical time and better adaptation of the plate.(AU)

Papel de distintas técnicas de imagen para identificar y localizar cuerpos extraños intraoculares relacionados con trauma ocular abierto: reporte de tres casos y revisión de la literatura / The role of various imaging techniques in identifying and locating intraocular foreign bodies related to open-globe injury: three case reports and literature review

ANTECEDENTES La ubicación precisa de un cuerpo extraño intraocular es crucial para el manejo de pacientes con trauma ocular abierto. La tomografía computarizada se usa habitualmente para detectar su ubicación en el segmento posterior. Reportamos tres casos con diferentes cuerpos extraños intraoculares en el segmento posterior, que fueron localizados con precisión mediante la tomografía computarizada y ecografía modo B. PRESENTACIÖN DEL CASO Presentamos tres casos con diferentes mecanismos de trauma, tipos de cuerpo extraño intraocular, síntomas clínicos y pronóstico visual. La tomografía computarizada determinó la ubicación exacta de todos los cuerpos extraños intraoculares en el segmento posterior. El ultrasonido modo B se realizó en un paciente con un cuerpo extraño intraocular no metálico. El primer caso tuvo una lesión ocular perforante con un cuerpo extraño intraorbitario; el caso dos y el caso tres presentaron diferentes tipos de cuerpos extraños intraoculares con pronóstico diferente. El manejo y el pronóstico fue distinto en todos los casos; todos se manejaron con éxito. La ubicación exacta de los cuerpos extraños intraoculares utilizando las diferentes modalidades de diagnóstico es importante en estos pacientes. Estos casos sirven como recordatorio de que el uso adecuado de las pruebas de imagen es indispensable en el contexto de un cuerpo extraño intraocular relacionado con trauma ocular abierto. CONCLUSIÓN Las diferentes técnicas de imágenes son muy importantes para la detección de un cuerpo extraño intraocular. La tomografía computarizada es una de las modalidades de imagen más simple y efectiva para la localización de cuerpos extraños intraoculares relacionadas con trauma ocular abierto.

BACKGROUND: Determining the precise location of intraocular foreign bodies is crucial for the management of patients with open-globe injury. Computed tomography is the most common method for detecting intraocular foreign bodies in the posterior segment. In this article, we describe three cases of open-globe injury with different types of intraocular foreign bodies in the posterior segment that were accurately located using computed tomography scans and B-scan ultrasonography. CASE PRESENTATION: Each of the three cases of open-globe injury described in this report had different types of ocular trauma, clinical symptoms, and intraocular foreign bodies. Computed tomography scans showed the exact location of the intraocular foreign bodies in the posterior segment in two of the three cases. A B-scan ultrasound was used to determine the location of a non-metallic intraocular foreign body in the third case. All three patients had intraocular foreign bodies, and one of them had an additional orbital foreign body. Case 1 had a perforating eye injury with the additional intraorbital foreign body; Cases 2 and Case 3 had different types of intraocular foreign bodies and prognoses. Various treatment approaches were used, ranging from observation to surgery, depending on the location of the intraocular foreign bodies, and all cases were successfully managed. These three cases show that proper use of various types of imaging tests is indispensable in the context of an intraocular foreign body related to open-globe injury. CONCLUSION: Imaging techniques are crucial for the detection of an intraocular foreign body, and computed tomography is one of the simplest and most useful, especially in cases of open-globe injury.

Endovascular repair of a penetrating axillary artery injury

Abstract We report a 16-year-old boy who sustained a gunshot injury on his upper left side of the chest that resulted in an injury to the left axillary artery and was treated with endovascular repair. An endovascular repair has been increasingly accepted for the management of hemorrhage in critically ill trauma patients; using covered endovascular stents provides an alternative modality for both controlling hemorrhage and preserving flow.

Heart injury with projectile lodged inside the heart

Abstract Penetrating heart injuries present high mortality rates. Increasing rates of urban violence have contributed to a significant rise in the number of heart injuries by firearm projectiles. Such injuries are associated with the highest mortality rates among penetrating cardiac injuries and may involve one or more cardiac chambers. We present the case of a police officer who, in an approach to five robbers, suffered a transfixed cardiac injury by firearm with the projectile having been lodged inside the right ventricle. This patient was successfully operated, 65 days after the injury, at our institution.

Embolization by Bullet Dislodged from the Heart

Abstract Embolization by a dislodged projectile is a rare complication that may occur in cases of gunshot cardiac injuries. We report a case of a firearm projectile cardiac injury that evolved, with dislocation of the projectile during cardiac surgery, into embolization of the right external carotid artery.

Stray bullet in inferior vena cava

A young boy presented in emergency with history of being hit by a stray bullet injuring the right hypochondrium. Ultrasound of abdomen showed hemoperitoneum and the radiograph showed bullet in the pelvis. Exploratory laparotomy showed injuries to liver and cystic duct with tract leading retroperitoneally into the inferior vena cava. The bullet was found wandering inside the vena caval lumen. Stray bullets are presumed to remain limited to the soft tissues. However, the trajectory, impact velocity and the involved region ultimately determine the outcome and influence management

Missile injuries of the spine.

Between 1995 and 2000, 22 cases with low velocity missile injuries of the spine and spinal cord were treated in three service hospitals. All were adult males, with a mean age of 30.7 years. The wounds were caused by splinters in 18 (82%) and bullets in 4 (18%). Twelve patients received more than one splinter. The cervical and thoracic spines were most frequently involved. In 7 cases, there were injuries to other organs. There was extensive initial deficit (quadriplegia, paraplegia) in 18 (82%) cases, while 4 (18%) had partial deficits. The patients were evaluated by spine radiographs. Myelography was done in 4, CT myelography in 11 and MRI in 4 patients. Two patients had intramedullary hematoma without any skeletal injury, and were treated conservatively. Seventeen patients were treated operatively, and associated injuries of other organs received priority management. Surgery was in the form of debridement, exploration of the spinal cord, hemostasis, decompression and dural repair. Steroids and antibiotics were given routinely. Three patients (2 with cervical and 1 with thoracic spine injury) died preoperatively, and 1 (with dorsolumbar injury) died in the postoperative period due to multi-organ injury. Patients with complete injury remained completely paralyzed, while those with an incomplete injury showed improvement in their neurological grades. The initial neurological grade is the best prognostic indicator, and these injuries are often accompanied by multi-organ injuries. There was no instance of postoperative meningitis or CSF leak. These injuries should be explored for debridement and dural repair.

An unusual orbito-cranial foreign body.

The rarity of orbito-cranial gun shot injury in both war and civilian practice has been reported. In a large series of 351 missile head injuries in the Vietnam war, orbital penetration was noted in 0.6% cases only. Review of literature shows that orbital injury was ipsilateral to the cerebral injury in most reported cases. We have previously reported a rare case of left parieto-occipital lobe injury due to gun shot wound of the contralateral (right) orbit. The case reported here sustained a bullet injury to the left frontal bone but the missile was located below the contralateral (right) optic canal. The rarity of the case prompted this report.