Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Handheld Metal Detector Screening for Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in Children
Published on: September 11, 2018
"Jingle All the Way!": Sharp Foreign Bodies Embedded Within the Esophageal Mucosa During the Holiday Season
Lea Oliveros1, Colleen McIntosh2, Alex Wilsey1
1Gastroenterology, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, USA.
Abstract:
Sharp pointed objects in the esophagus are extremely hazardous and can lead to complications such as mucosal ulcerations, perforations, obstruction, abscess, and fistula formation. Patients exhibit symptomatology based on the location within the proximal or distal esophagus. Ingestion of a sharp foreign object warrants emergent endoscopic removal, particularly when lodged in the esophagus. We present two young children, a 30-month-old male and a 10-month-old male, who underwent emergent endoscopic evaluation following the ingestion of a jingle bell and a Christmas ornament hanger, respectively. Types of ingested sharp foreign bodies may vary during the holiday season and present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for pediatric physicians. Additionally, foreign body ingestions are not limited to children including teenagers and should also be considered in infants. Here, we report two young patients who ingested unique holiday ornaments and describe the management of these impacted esophageal foreign bodies.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophagus
The movement of edibles from the pharynx into the esophagus is facilitated by the upper esophageal sphincter, which is formed primarily by the...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....

