Lithium Battery Ingestion: An Unusual Cause of Bilateral Cord Palsy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Lithium battery ingestion is a known hazard in children.
• Bilateral vocal cord palsy is a rare but severe complication.
• Lack of awareness among clinicians can lead to missed diagnoses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of bilateral vocal cord palsy in an infant following lithium battery ingestion.
• To highlight the importance of recognizing this rare complication.
• To emphasize cautious monitoring in at-risk pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Case report of an infant with bilateral vocal cord palsy post-lithium battery ingestion.
• Review of existing medical literature on lithium battery ingestion and vocal cord complications.
• Clinical observation and management of the presented case.

Main Results:

• The infant presented with a unique clinical manifestation of bilateral vocal cord palsy.
• This presentation was previously unreported in medical literature.
• The case underscores the potential for severe airway compromise.

Conclusions:

• Bilateral vocal cord palsy is a critical, often overlooked, complication of pediatric lithium battery ingestion.
• Increased awareness and vigilant monitoring are essential for early detection and management.
• Prompt recognition can prevent severe respiratory distress and improve patient outcomes.