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Pediatric button battery and small magnet coingestion: two cases with different outcomes
Nirav Shastri1, Charles Leys, Milton Fowler
1Children's Mercy South Urgent Care Center, University of Missouri, Kansas City, Overland Park, KS 66211, USA. nshastri@cmh.edu
Pediatric Emergency Care
|July 7, 2011
Summary
Coingestion of button batteries and magnets poses serious risks, potentially causing bowel injury. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial for managing these pediatric foreign body ingestions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Foreign Body Ingestion
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Ingestion of button batteries and multiple small magnets are known pediatric emergencies.
- Coingestion of these foreign bodies is rare but presents unique risks.
Observation:
- Two cases of button battery and small magnet coingestion are presented.
- One case resulted in significant bowel injury requiring surgical repair.
- The second case experienced a benign clinical course.
Findings:
- Coingestion can lead to severe injury due to magnetic adherence and battery current.
- Radiography plays a role in diagnosis and management.
- Predicting outcomes requires considering specific patient factors.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential severity of combined button battery and magnet ingestion.
- Emphasizes the need for careful clinical assessment and management strategies.
- Informs healthcare providers on managing rare but dangerous foreign body ingestions.
