Foreign body inhalation: a case of mistaken identity?

Inhalation and ingestion of foreign bodies is most common in pre-school children. In recent years, children have been increasingly exposed to electronic technology containing button batteries. These may be potentially inhaled or ingested. We present the case of a 4-year-old girl who presented with a choking episode and presumed inhalation of a button battery. Her chest radiograph demonstrated a potential point of confusion, with the presumed tracheal foreign body actually representing a patent ductus arteriosus coil. The true foreign body is visible in the stomach. If there is suspicion that a child has ingested or inhaled a button battery, the key stages of assessment are an accurate history and radiological investigation. This allows a prompt diagnosis so that effective intervention can be planned to avoid serious potential complications.