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Intramural esophageal foreign body in a child

Chahdah Skaff1, Haifa Al Awadhi2, Zakaria Habib3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Saudi Arabia.

International Journal of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|February 27, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Foreign body ingestion is common in young children, often without witnesses or symptoms. This case highlights an unusual intramural esophageal foreign body diagnosed in a 2-year-old girl, mimicking congenital esophageal stenosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Esophageal Disorders
  • Foreign Body Ingestion

Background:

  • Foreign body ingestion is a frequent pediatric emergency, primarily affecting children aged 6 months to 3 years.
  • Complications such as bowel perforation and obstruction can occur, with 40% of ingestions being unwitnessed and many cases asymptomatic.
  • Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent severe outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 2-year-old girl presented with symptoms suggestive of congenital esophageal stenosis.
  • She was referred to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre for further evaluation.
  • Initial investigations were performed to understand the cause of her symptoms.

Findings:

  • The diagnostic workup revealed an intramural esophageal foreign body, not congenital stenosis.
  • This unusual presentation highlights the diverse ways foreign bodies can manifest in children.
  • The foreign body was successfully identified and managed.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering foreign body ingestion even with atypical presentations mimicking congenital conditions.
  • It emphasizes the need for thorough investigation in pediatric patients with esophageal symptoms.
  • Accurate diagnosis of esophageal foreign bodies is critical for appropriate treatment and preventing complications.

Keywords:
Esophageal foreign bodyEsophagoscopyIntramuralThoracoscopy

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