Abstract
Foreign body ingestion is common in children. Ingestion of foreign bodies with magnetic properties are less common, but can be associated with more severe complication, especially involving multiple magnets. We present a 16-month-old boy with developmental delay who developed small bowel perforation following multiple magnet ingestion. He had three days history of vomiting and abdominal distension associated with pain, suggestive of an acute intestinal obstruction. Abdominal imaging confirmed foreign body ingestion, and an exploratory laparotomy revealed two magnets attracted across the intestinal lining with resultant intestinal obstruction and perforation. Surgical removal of the magnets and the necrotic bowel tissue was complicated by post-operative wound dehiscence. After secondary suturing, the child subsequently made a complete recovery. We discuss the diagnostic dilemma in multiple magnet ingestion along with the importance of early recognition and prompt management due to the risk of more severe gastrointestinal complication associated with delayed intervention.
Highlights
Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common ingestion but these may not be readily available problem amongst children under five years of in resource limited institutions
We presented a case of a toddler with an undiagnosed developmental disorder who had a bowel obstruction and perforation as a result of accidental magnet ingestion
Magnet ingestion without a clear history is difficult to differentiate from other non-serious FB ingestion, and its nonspecific clinical features have caused delay in the diagnosis and surgical intervention
Summary
Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common ingestion but these may not be readily available problem amongst children under five years of in resource limited institutions. We presented a case of a toddler with an undiagnosed developmental disorder who had a bowel obstruction and perforation as a result of accidental magnet ingestion. Magnet ingestion without a clear history is difficult to differentiate from other non-serious FB ingestion, and its nonspecific clinical features have caused delay in the diagnosis and surgical intervention.
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