Point-of-Care Ultrasound for an Esophageal Foreign Body

Abstract

Background: Press-through packs (PTPs) are widely used for storing drugs. The number of cases involving improper swallowing and esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) has increased with the increasing use of PTPs. Studies have reported the utility of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for evaluating EFBs. The application of POCUS for esophageal PTPs has not been reported.

Case report: An 83-year-old woman complaining of neck pain and odynophagia that occurred after improperly swallowing 2 PTPs was admitted to the emergency department. EFBs were suspected, and POCUS revealed a hyperechoic material, suggestive of a PTP, in the cervical esophagus. Endoscopy was immediately performed, and the PTPs were successfully removed without complications. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This study was significant because it documented the application of POCUS to detect esophageal PTPs. POCUS is a simple and noninvasive technique for identifying EFBs without radiation exposure. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.

Keywords: Blister pack; esophageal foreign body; point-of-care ultrasound; press-through pack; ultrasonography.