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Severe injuries from coin cell battery ingestions: 2 case reports

Joshua M Hamilton1, Scott A Schraff, David M Notrica

  • 1Phoenix Integrated Surgical Residency, Banner Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|March 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Coin cell battery ingestion can cause severe complications, including fatal aortoesophageal fistula and vocal cord paralysis in children. Increased awareness and prevention are crucial for managing these dangerous incidents.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Coin cell battery ingestion is typically benign but can lead to severe outcomes.
  • Lithium coin cell ingestion poses unique risks due to its electrical potential and corrosive byproducts.

Observation:

  • Two young children experienced severe complications from unwitnessed lithium coin cell ingestion.
  • One child developed an aortoesophageal fistula, leading to fatal hemorrhage despite surgical intervention.
  • The other child suffered bilateral vocal cord paralysis, requiring tracheostomy but showing signs of recovery.

Findings:

  • Lithium coin cell ingestion can cause life-threatening aortoesophageal fistula formation.
  • Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a potential complication, necessitating airway support.
  • Delayed complications, such as massive bleeding, can occur even after battery removal.

Implications:

  • Highlights the critical need for enhanced primary prevention strategies to prevent pediatric coin cell battery ingestion.
  • Emphasizes the importance of clinician awareness regarding the diverse and severe presentations of coin cell battery ingestion.
  • Underscores the necessity of prompt diagnosis and tailored therapeutic interventions for affected children.

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