Case Report: Occult gastric corrosion of a brass pendant during endoscopic retrieval in a child

Ingestion of a metallic foreign body is common among young children. Although most objects pass spontaneously, some require endoscopic removal. Brass and similar metals can undergo acid-induced dezincification, leading to internal weakening even if the surface appears unchanged. This report describes a rare case of brass pendant ingestion affected by such corrosion.

A 4-year-old boy ingested a brass pendant that remained in his stomach for 72 h, prompting endoscopic retrieval. Although there was no visible corrosion, the pendant fractured at a narrow segment when traction was applied at a physiological esophageal narrowing site. The remaining portion was safely removed after re-grasping the thickest, structurally strongest region.

Despite having a normal appearance, metallic foreign bodies may weaken internally after 48-72 h (2-3 days) of gastric exposure. Hence, endoscopists should anticipate hidden corrosion and grasp the thickest, most reinforced area during removal while considering mechanical stress at esophageal narrowing sites to ensure safe retrieval.