A case report of multiple foreign body ingestion with a ring-like configuration: The magnetic effect

Magnetic foreign body (FB) ingestion represents a significant health hazard among children. The increasing use of small attractive magnets as toys or parts of various household accessories makes it easily accessible to children. The aim of this report is to raise awareness of public authorities and parents around exposing children to magnetic toys.

We report a case of multiple FB ingestion in a 3-year-old child. Radiological imaging revealed multiple round objects arranged in a circular shape resembling a ring. Surgical exploration showed multiple intestinal perforations attributed to the magnetic attraction between the objects.

Although more than 99 % of ingested FB pass without surgical intervention, ingestion of multiple magnetic FB provides a substantially higher risk of injury due to self-association and therefore requires a more aggressive clinical approach. A stable or clinically benign condition, though common, does not necessarily mean a safe situation in the abdomen. Literature review suggests that emergency surgical intervention should be pursued to avoid potentially life-threatening complications; perforation and peritonitis.

Multiple magnet ingestion is rare, but can result in serious complications. We recommend early surgical intervention before gastrointestinal complications develop.