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Case Reports
. 2022 Dec;25(4):861-864.
doi: 10.1007/s40477-021-00631-6. Epub 2022 Mar 11.

Value of intestinal ultrasound in pediatric magnet ingestion: a case report

Cristina Bucci  1 , Dolores Ferrara  2 , Paolo Quitadamo  3 , Casimiro Del Monaco  4 , Flora Caruso  3 , Giovanni Gaglione  4 , Francesco Esposito  2 , Mariano Caldore  3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Value of intestinal ultrasound in pediatric magnet ingestion: a case report

Cristina Bucci et al. J Ultrasound. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies in pediatric settings has become more common in the last years due to the marketing of various toys containing small magnetic parts. Most magnets, especially if a single element is ingested, usually pass through the gastrointestinal tract without complications. However, ingestion of multiple magnets or magnets and small metallic components may require a prompt intervention due to the risk of attraction across bowel layers, leading to pressure necrosis, perforation, and even death. Routinely, serial radiological evaluations are needed to follow the progression of magnets through the intestine, while the role of small bowel ultrasound is regarded as marginal. Here we report a case of a 5-years old boy who ingested 8 magnets and in which small bowel ultrasound was pivotal for the correct assessment of magnets location to correct address the surgical approach.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Ingestion; Magnets; Pediatric; Ultrasound.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Basal abdominal X-Ray showing 7 magnets in the epigastric area and one in the right iliac fossa
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A the abdominal X-Ray performed on day three after ingestion, showing all magnetic beads in a single chain; B the US imaging showing the interposition of bowel walls between the last two magnetic beads (arrows)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
surgical image clearly showing two small round perforations on opposite bowel walls (arrows)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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