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An unsuspected alkaline battery foreign body presenting as malignant otitis externa
1Department of General Academic and Emergency Pediatrics, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60614.
Pediatric Emergency Care
|June 1, 1992
Summary
A button battery lodged in a child's ear canal can mimic serious infections like malignant otitis externa. Early detection and removal of these ear canal foreign bodies are crucial to prevent severe tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Foreign Body Management
Background:
- Malignant otitis externa is a severe infection typically seen in immunocompromised individuals.
- Foreign bodies in the ear canal can cause significant local damage.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 13-year-old presented with symptoms mimicking malignant otitis externa.
- The underlying cause was an unsuspected button battery lodged in the ear canal.
Findings:
- Button batteries can leak alkaline electrolytes, leading to rapid liquefactive necrosis of ear canal tissues.
- This case highlights a rare but severe complication of pediatric ear canal foreign bodies.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for foreign bodies in children with complicated otitis externa.
- Prompt diagnosis and removal of button batteries are essential to prevent irreversible tissue destruction and complications.