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Imaging gastric pennies in children
1Department of Family Practice, Mercer University School of Medicine, 3780 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, GA 31206, USA.
Emergency Radiology
|July 20, 2005
Summary
Ingested pennies, especially those made after 1982 with higher zinc content, pose risks due to potential reactions in stomach acid. Radiographic examination is explored as a diagnostic tool for these cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion in children is common, with pennies being frequent culprits.
- Traditional management is conservative, but newer pennies (post-1982) have higher zinc content, raising toxicity concerns.
- Previous research demonstrated in situ reactions of these pennies in simulated gastric acid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of radiographic examination in assessing ingested pennies.
- To understand the implications of post-1982 penny composition on pediatric foreign body ingestion management.
Main Methods:
- Review of radiographic findings in pediatric patients with ingested pennies.
- Correlation of radiographic appearance with penny composition and potential for gastric reaction.
Main Results:
- Radiography can identify ingested pennies, including those with higher zinc content.
- The study examines the diagnostic utility of imaging in cases of suspected zinc toxicity from ingested coins.
Conclusions:
- Radiographic examination is a valuable tool in the diagnostic workup of children who have ingested pennies.
- Understanding penny composition is crucial for assessing risks and guiding clinical decisions.