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Case report: esophageal foreign body mistaken for impacted button battery
Mark Silverberg1, Roger Tillotson
1Kings County Hospital and SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA. msilverberg2@nyc.rr.com
Pediatric Emergency Care
|May 3, 2006
Summary
Foreign body ingestion, often coins, is common in pediatric emergency departments. This case highlights discrepancies between radiographic findings and patient history, emphasizing careful diagnosis and management of ingested foreign bodies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion is a frequent reason for pediatric emergency department visits.
- Coins and button batteries are common ingested foreign bodies in children.
- Accurate diagnosis and timely management are crucial.
Observation:
- A case of coin ingestion presented with alarming radiographic findings.
- These findings were inconsistent with the provided patient history.
- This discrepancy posed a diagnostic challenge.
Findings:
- Radiographic imaging is essential for diagnosing gastrointestinal foreign bodies.
- Clinical history may not always align with imaging findings in pediatric foreign body ingestion.
- Careful correlation of imaging and history is vital for appropriate management.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering radiographic evidence even when history is atypical.
- It highlights the need for a thorough review of diagnostic and management strategies for pediatric foreign body ingestion.
- Understanding potential inconsistencies aids in preventing complications and ensuring patient safety.
