[Swallowing magnets: a dangerous game. A case report]

Arch Pediatr. 2008 Jun;15(6):1095-8. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2008.02.017. Epub 2008 Apr 22.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Complications related to the ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies by children represents an affirmed health hazard in the United States. In France, an alert has been announced. We report the 1st case in France. Our aim is to alert pediatricians and emergency physicians and to draw attention to the particularities of this type of foreign body. Responsible for complications is the ingestion of at least 2 magnets, or 1 magnet and a metallic foreign body, with a time interval between ingestions. In these cases, it is strongly recommended to extract the foreign bodies with endoscopy if they have not yet passed the pylorus. For those further advanced in the intestinal tract, continuous observation is warranted and surgical extraction is indicated on apparition of 1st clinical symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cecum / pathology*
  • Cecum / surgery
  • Child
  • Foreign Bodies / complications*
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Humans
  • Ileum / pathology*
  • Ileum / surgery
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology*
  • Intestinal Perforation / surgery
  • Magnetics*
  • Male
  • Necrosis
  • Radiography