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Pediatric esophageal foreign body with minimal symptomatology

P Bailey

    Annals of Emergency Medicine
    |July 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    A child swallowed a large plastic button, necessitating endoscopic removal from the esophagus. Prompt diagnosis and intervention prevented complications from this esophageal foreign body.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Gastroenterology
    • Otolaryngology
    • Emergency Medicine

    Background:

    • Foreign body ingestion is common in children.
    • Esophageal foreign bodies can present with subtle or delayed symptoms.

    Observation:

    • A 5 1/2-year-old girl ingested a large plastic button.
    • Initial presentation to the emergency department revealed no clinical findings and a negative X-ray.
    • Delayed symptoms included fever and neck discomfort.

    Findings:

    • A barium swallow confirmed an impacted esophageal foreign body.
    • Endoscopic removal under general anesthesia was successfully performed.
    • The patient's post-procedure course was uneventful.

    Implications:

    • This case highlights the importance of considering foreign body ingestion even with initially negative findings.
    • Delayed diagnosis of esophageal foreign bodies can lead to complications.
    • Endoscopic removal is an effective treatment for pediatric esophageal foreign bodies.

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