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Esophageal perforation caused by coin ingestion
J G Tucker1, H H Kim, G W Lucas
1Department of Surgery, Georgia Baptist Medical Center, Atlanta 30312.
Southern Medical Journal
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Coin ingestion can cause rare esophageal perforation and acquired tracheoesophageal fistulae (ATEF) in children. Prompt diagnosis of aerodigestive symptoms is crucial for identifying foreign body ingestion and ATEF in infants and young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Esophageal perforation and acquired tracheoesophageal fistulae (ATEF) are infrequent complications in pediatric foreign body ingestion.
- Prolonged impaction of ingested foreign bodies, such as coins, can lead to severe esophageal injury.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of esophageal perforation due to prolonged coin impaction are presented.
- One patient developed a subsequent acquired tracheoesophageal fistula.
Findings:
- The study highlights the association between coin impaction and esophageal perforation with or without ATEF in children.
- Aerodigestive symptoms in infants and young children warrant consideration of foreign body ingestion and potential ATEF.
Implications:
- Early recognition of foreign body ingestion is critical for preventing severe esophageal complications in pediatric patients.
- The findings emphasize the need for a high index of suspicion for ATEF in infants presenting with relevant symptoms.
- Effective surgical management strategies for these rare pediatric conditions are discussed.