Abstract
Every year, there are over 3300 ingestions of button batteries, mostly by young children. Initial presentation of button battery ingestion may be nonspecific, with a delay in diagnosis and removal resulting in increased risk of complications. We present the case of a five-year-old female who presented with vomiting following unwitnessed button battery ingestion. The battery was impacted in the middle esophagus for at least six hours. Endoscopy was performed for immediate removal and showed a Grade 2B erosion, warranting nasogastric tube placement. The patient remained asymptomatic following discharge and had a barium swallow that was read as normal. However, a repeat endoscopy one month later visualized stricture formation at the previous battery injury site. This case highlights the importance of both clinician and parent awareness of button battery ingestion and demonstrates that endoscopy provides the most accurate assessment of esophageal injury and complication development, even in asymptomatic patients.
Highlights
Every year, there are over 3300 ingestions of button batteries, mostly by young children between six months and three years old
The National Poison Data System shows a 6.7-fold increase in button battery ingestions resulting in devastating outcomes from 1985 to 2009 [3]
The patient is a five-year-old female with a past medical history of Wolff–Parkinson– White syndrome, asthma, and oppositional defiant disorder who presented to the emergency department with unwitnessed ingestion of a foreign body
Summary
There are over 3300 ingestions of button batteries, mostly by young children between six months and three years old. The incidence is rising due to increased use in household products and compact electronics, with common sources being hearing aids and toys [1,2]. The National Poison Data System shows a 6.7-fold increase in button battery ingestions resulting in devastating outcomes from 1985 to 2009 [3]. It is crucial to spread awareness and ensure parents have the proper education for avoidance of ingestions and physicians have clear guidelines for their management
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