An unusual case of firearm injury: bullet lodged in the tongue.

Abstract

Firearm-related injuries are a major problem worldwide, in forensic medicine practice. and unusual presentation of bullet trajectory can create surgical or medico-legal diagnostic problems. A 23-year-old man suffered two gunshot wounds, was taken to emergency department immediately after the incident. Physical examination revealed two entrance gunshot wounds on the left lumbar region under the lower margin of left scapulae and right gluteal region. An exit wound was defined on the lateral side of the right gluteal region which was located 5 cm distance of entrance wound. Radiological investigation showed a bullet in the tongue without any life threatening impairment. A thoracic CT scan and abdominal USG were normal. Following the initial examinations he was hospitalized and the bullet removed from the tongue by a simple surgical operation. An interesting case of gunshot injury where the passage route of bullet extending along from upper posterior part of the left lumbar region to the tongue without vital organ injury or serious disability has been reported.