Acquired tracheo-oesophageal fistula after ingestion of a mercury button-battery
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Published on: February 26, 2017
Insights
Button-battery ingestion in children can cause severe esophageal damage, including strictures and fistulas. Prompt X-ray and removal are crucial to prevent tissue necrosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Button-battery ingestion is a common pediatric emergency.
- Esophageal injury from button batteries can lead to severe complications.
Observation:
- A nine-month-old girl developed an acquired esophageal stricture and tracheoesophageal fistula.
- These complications arose after ingesting a mercury button-battery.
Findings:
- Esophageal impaction of button-batteries requires immediate removal.
- Delay in removal can result in rapid tissue necrosis.
Implications:
- Early diagnostic imaging (X-ray) is vital for suspected button-battery ingestion.
- Timely intervention can prevent life-threatening esophageal damage in children.
Abstract:
We report the case of a nine-month-old girl with acquired oesophageal stricture and tracheo-oesophageal fistula after the ingestion of a mercury button-battery. In any child with suspected button-battery ingestion an x-ray examination should be carried out to exclude oesophageal impaction which necessitates immediate removal of the battery, as tissue necrosis may occur within hours.
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