Asymptomatic esophageal perforation by a coin in a child

Ingestion of coins by children is a common event that rarely causes serious complications. We present a case of asymptomatic esophageal perforation by a penny in a child who presented with wheezing six months after the ingestion. When esophagography and triple endoscopy failed to show the perforation, thoracotomy resulted in successful removal of the foreign body, which was encased in granulation tissue between the trachea and esophagus. Complications of foreign body ingestion are discussed.