Soft tissue swelling and cold abscess after embedded acupuncture

Acupuncture is claimed to be an effective therapy for a broad range of medical problems with minimal side-effects. However, regardless of its efficacy, it can be associated with complications including bacterial infection.1 ,2 We describe a case of unilateral foot oedema with negative culture as a complication of catgut embedding (a therapy related to acupuncture) which has not, as far as we know, been reported previously. A 27-year-old woman with inflammatory bowel disease who had received catgut embedding therapy (a type of Chinese acupuncture therapy) over several sessions, presented with unilateral soreness and non-pitting oedema of the right lower extremity below the right knee, 2 weeks after her last treatment session. Maximum swelling was observed in the foot area. Her foot and leg were warm but not red. She reported no history of trauma, blood transfusion or any other probable causes of haematogenous abscess, but she mentioned a history of acupuncture which was discussed as a possible cause of her complaint. The patient was admitted to hospital for investigations. She had symmetric pulses in her lower extremities. Her examination and routine blood tests showed no signs of renal …