X-ray diagnosis with a bloating agent for foreign object ingestion.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric radiology
• Gastroenterology
• Medical imaging

Background:

• Accurate localization of ingested foreign objects is crucial for effective patient management.
• X-ray imaging can be limited by poor negative contrast, hindering precise localization within the gastrointestinal tract.

Observation:

• A 2-year-old child ingested a lithium battery, with initial X-rays showing abdominal location but unclear gastric containment.
• A second X-ray after oral administration of a bloating agent provided clear negative contrast, confirming the battery remained in the stomach.

Findings:

• Oral administration of a bloating agent successfully created negative contrast, enabling precise localization of the ingested lithium battery.
• The foreign object was subsequently removed using specialized catheters under fluoroscopic guidance.

Implications:

• This technique offers a non-invasive, effective method for determining the location of radiopaque foreign bodies in the stomach.
• It aids in timely and safe retrieval of ingested objects, improving pediatric patient outcomes.