Aortic pseudoaneurysm due to ingested foreign body.
We have described a child with pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta caused by an ingested safety pin, who survived this life-threatening injury in which the diagnosis was elusive for four months. Esophageal foreign bodies, especially sharp, pointed ones, can cause such a cardiovascular complication. A high index of suspicion is imperative if the diagnosis is to be made early. Serial chest x-ray films showing an enlarging mediastinal mass should trigger aggressive radiologic evaluation.
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography