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Esophageal pH Capsule Retention

Sabreen Aulakh1, Sharon Ashley2, Kelly Haas3

  • 1Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

ACG Case Reports Journal
|October 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A swallowed pH capsule for acid reflux testing became stuck in a child's esophagus for 45 days. This case highlights a potentially underreported complication of wireless pH monitoring in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Endoscopy
  • Medical Device Safety

Background:

  • Wireless pH capsule monitoring is a standard diagnostic tool for evaluating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Potential complications include premature detachment, dysphagia, chest pain, and technical issues, but esophageal retention is less common.
  • Accurate diagnosis and management of GERD are crucial for pediatric patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old boy presented with coffee-ground emesis, indicating possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed a retained wireless pH capsule lodged in the distal esophagus.
  • The capsule had been in place for 45 days, significantly longer than standard monitoring periods.

Findings:

  • Esophageal retention of a wireless pH capsule is a rare but serious complication.
  • The prolonged retention in this pediatric case suggests potential factors contributing to capsule impaction.
  • Coffee-ground emesis may be a presenting symptom of capsule-related esophageal complications.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering capsule retention as a differential diagnosis in patients with upper GI symptoms after pH monitoring.
  • Healthcare providers should be aware of the possibility of underreported capsule retention complications.
  • Further investigation into risk factors and preventative strategies for esophageal capsule retention in children is warranted.

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