Novel Uses of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Pediatric Foreign Bodies: An Emergency Department Case Series

Abstract

Background: Foreign bodies (FBs) are a diagnostic challenge to pediatric emergency providers. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an important adjunct to the diagnostic pathway of children with suspected FBs.

Case report: This case series describes three examples of novel extended ultrasonography uses in the pediatric emergency department for the detection of FBs involving different organ systems (i.e., abdominal, esophageal, and scrotal). WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: FBs are a diagnostic challenge to pediatric emergency providers. POCUS should be recognized as an important adjunct to the diagnostic pathway of children with suspected FBs. When used thoughtfully, it can narrow the differential diagnosis, guide further confirmatory investigations, reduce cognitive burden, and tailor downstream patient care.

Keywords: emergency; foreign body; pediatrics; ultrasound.