A case of fatal coin battery ingestion in a 2-year-old child

Forensic Sci Int. 2010 May 20;198(1-3):e19-22. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.02.001. Epub 2010 Feb 23.

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration is frequently encountered in young children, in the majority of cases it will not lead to an adverse outcome. However, in case of coin battery ingestion more serious adverse outcomes, including death, have been reported. We present a case with fatal outcome due to exsanguination, of a 2-year-old child with an aberrant right subclavian artery (or arteria lusoria) and coin battery ingestion. Radiological and autopsy findings and relevant literature are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Diseases / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Esophageal Fistula / pathology
  • Esophageal Perforation / pathology
  • Esophagitis / pathology
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / pathology*
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Hemorrhage / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lithium
  • Mediastinitis / pathology
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Respiratory Aspiration / pathology*
  • Subclavian Artery / abnormalities
  • Thoracotomy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Lithium