[Corrosion damage in oesophagus after digesting a button battery].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Emergency Medicine
• Consumer Product Safety

Background:

• Button batteries are common in household products, posing significant ingestion risks.
• Increasing power of button batteries heightens the danger of severe complications if swallowed.
• Esophageal button battery ingestion is a critical pediatric emergency.

Observation:

• A 10-month-old infant presented with an ingested button battery lodged in the upper esophagus.
• Radiographic imaging confirmed the presence and location of the foreign body.
• The button battery was successfully retrieved within two hours of ingestion.

Findings:

• Despite rapid removal, the button battery caused significant injury to the esophageal mucosa.
• The infant required a three-day hospitalization for monitoring and care.
• Post-discharge follow-up for three months revealed no persistent swallowing difficulties or other adverse sequelae.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of immediate medical evaluation and intervention for suspected button battery ingestion in children.
• Early diagnosis and endoscopic removal can mitigate severe esophageal damage and long-term complications.
• Public awareness regarding the safe storage and disposal of button batteries is crucial to prevent pediatric ingestions.