Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
Intestinal perforation caused by magnetic toys
Esperanza Hernández Anselmi1, Carlos Gutiérrez San Román, Jose Enrique Barrios Fontoba
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Hospital Infantil La Fe, Valencia, Spain. espejuliet@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is a common problem in children, but ingestion of magnets is rare. When multiple magnets are ingested, they may attract each other through the intestinal walls, causing pressure necrosis, perforation, fistula formation, or intestinal obstruction; as has been reported in 13 cases in the past 10 years. We report the fifth case in the literature of intestinal perforation and fistula caused by the ingestion of 2 small magnetic pieces of a toy by a 3-year-old boy. We find it necessary that sanitary authorities give more information to parents and physicians about the potential risks of these magnetic toys.
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