First case of paintball-linked liver injury described

(HealthDay)—A first case of paintball-related blunt liver injury has been described in an article published online April 27 in BMJ Case Reports.

Joshua Luck, from North Middlesex University Hospital in the United Kingdom, and colleagues describe a case of paintball-related traumatic liver injury in an 18-year-old male who presented with symptoms consistent with acute appendicitis.

The authors note that a grade III liver injury was identified intraoperatively and packed before reexamination at 48 hours. No further active bleeding was identified. At three weeks, follow-up ultrasound showed non-resolution of a large subcapsular hematoma. The patient was readmitted for a short observation period. Repeat ultrasound was scheduled for three months after discharge.

"This case report adds to the growing literature on paintball-related injuries," the authors write. "Participants and physicians must both be aware of the possible dangers associated with this recreational sport."