Case Report
Volume: 4 | Issue: 6 | Published: Jul 01, 2020 | Pages: 194 - 197 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1573146058
A case report of intestinal obstruction due to magnetic ball ingestion
Authors: Nadeem Hashmat , Adel Altamimi , Naureen Kanwal Satti
Article Info
Authors
Nadeem Hashmat
Department of Emergency Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Adel Altamimi
Department of Emergency Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Naureen Kanwal Satti
Department of Paediatrics, King Saud University, Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Publication History
Received: November 07, 2019
Accepted: April 23, 2020
Published: July 01, 2020
Abstract
Background: Toys with magnetic balls and objects can lead to serious consequences in children. We report a child with a history of magic ball (magnetic toy) ingestion. Case Presentation: A 4-years-old girl, previously healthy and developmentally normal, presented to the emergency department of the hospital with a 10 daysÂ’ history of vomiting and abdominal pain. Parents took her to different hospitals, where she was treated as a case of acute gastroenteritis and gastritis. Routine laboratory tests were normal, and an abdominal ultrasound also did not reveal any abnormality. Parents also did not report anything unusual in history. An abdominal X-ray was done in the Emergency room, which showed a collection of approximately 18 rounded radiopaque objects in the right lower abdomen with the signs of intestinal obstruction. Magnetic balls were removed after laparotomy followed by uneventful recovery. Conclusion: Awareness about the serious consequences of magnetic toy ingestion and the need to supervise children while playing is emphasized. It is strongly recommended that to reduce further damage, the International Safety Standards for the use of small magnets should be established.
Keywords: Magnetic toy ingestion, Foreign body ingestion, intestinal obstruction, laparotomy, abdominal pain, green
