Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
04:55

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children

Published on: September 11, 2018

Prevalence, clinical features and management of pediatric magnetic foreign body ingestions

Melissa M Tavarez1, Richard A Saladino, Barbara A Gaines

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 152224, USA.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|June 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Ingesting multiple magnetic foreign bodies (FBs) in children poses a high risk of serious complications like intestinal perforation. Single magnetic FB ingestions can often be managed conservatively, but multiple magnet ingestion requires aggressive intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Surgical Outcomes

Background:

  • Foreign body (FB) ingestions are common in children.
  • Magnetic FBs present unique risks due to attraction, potentially causing intestinal obstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of magnetic FB ingestions.
  • To describe the clinical presentation and management of these cases.
  • To identify risk factors for complications.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with FB ingestions.
  • Inclusion criteria: patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) or admitted with FB ingestions.
  • Data collected: magnetic FB ingestions from June 2003 to July 2009.

Main Results:

  • Identified 38 cases of magnetic FB ingestion (0.01% prevalence).
  • Single magnet ingestion (79%) often managed endoscopically without complications.
  • Multiple magnet ingestion (21%) led to a 50% complication rate, including intestinal perforations requiring surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Single magnetic FB ingestion can typically be managed like other simple FBs.
  • Multiple magnetic FB ingestion is associated with significant morbidity and necessitates aggressive management.
  • An algorithm for managing pediatric magnetic FB ingestions is proposed.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure15:18

Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure

Published on: July 30, 2009

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation11:19

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management01:29

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a persistent medical condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Its clinical manifestations can vary greatly, making diagnosis and management challenging for healthcare professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of the clinical manifestations, assessment, and management strategies for GERD.
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...