title: Severe tissue destruction in the ear caused by alkaline button batteries.
abstract: Button batteries spontaneously leak corrosive electrolyte solution on exposure to moisture. Tissue in contact with such solution will undergo liquefaction necrosis. Three cases of skin, bone and tympanic membrane necrosis caused by a leaking button battery lodged in the external auditory meatus are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ear Nose and Throat Surgery, Kent and Sussex Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, UK.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Premachandra
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McRae
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004424:Ear Canal; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D004560:Electricity; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009336:Necrosis / Q000209:etiology; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology