A case of gastrointestinal perforation caused by the ingestion of multiple magnets in a 1 year old boy

Abstract

Foreign body ingestion in small children is common. Because most foreign bodies pass innocuously through the gastrointestinal tract, it is not so often for them to require endoscopic removal or emergency surgery. We herein report a case in which emergency surgery was required after the ingestion of multiple magnets. A 1 year old boy was referred to our hospital for vomiting and drowsiness. An X-ray revealed 5 small magnetic balls in the right abdomen, in addition, CT revealed free air in the abdominal cavity. We diagnosed the patient with gastrointestinal perforation caused by the ingestion of multiple magnets and he was quickly transferred to the children’s hospital for surgery. During the operation, one magnet was found in the stomach in apposition to 4 magnets in the abdominal cavity. These 4 magnets had caused multiple perforations associated with pressure bowel necrosis in the intestine wall. In the present case, the boy had ingested neodymium magnets, which are small and powerful. Recently, the incidence of magnet-related injuries has increased with the spread of neodymium magnets. Because such magnets can be easily obtained, the restriction of their use and sale is desired, and appropriate education must be provided for people including health-care workers.