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A child presenting with a bullet in the middle ear: case report
Patorn Piromchai1, Somchai Srirompotong, Piyawadee Lertchanaruengrith
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Clinical Medicine Insights. Case Reports
|January 21, 2012
Summary
A bullet lodged in a child's ear canal was pushed into the middle ear during removal attempts. Successful retrieval required specialized otolaryngologist intervention, highlighting the need for careful foreign body removal.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatric Otology
Background:
- Foreign bodies in the external auditory canal are frequent occurrences in pediatric and adult populations.
- While typically removable in emergency departments, complications can arise from improper removal techniques.
- This case highlights a specific complication involving a metallic foreign body (bullet) pushed into the middle ear.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old boy presented with a bullet lodged in his external auditory canal.
- An initial removal attempt failed, leading to the bullet being displaced into the middle ear.
- Otoscopic findings revealed a ruptured tympanic membrane and granulation tissue in the middle ear.
Findings:
- The bullet was successfully removed from the middle ear via a post-auricular approach.
- The case illustrates a complication of foreign body removal in the ear canal.
Implications:
- Physicians must exercise caution during foreign body removal from the EAC to prevent iatrogenic injury.
- Referral to an otolaryngologist is crucial when initial removal attempts are unsuccessful.
- Prompt and expert intervention can mitigate risks of further trauma and middle ear complications.
