Esophageal foreign bodies: removal of the new euro coins with a magnet tube.
OBJECTIVE
We use a magnet tube to extract esophageal coins. It is smaller than the Foley balloon catheter and easier to handle than a forceps. We present the magnet tube maneuver and investigate whether the new euro coins can be removed with a magnet.


METHODS
We take radiographs of coins and measure the adhesive force of the magnet and compare with the 10 Pfennig German coin which we most often removed successfully from the esophagus.


RESULTS
The 1, 2, and 5 euro cent pieces are magnetic and can possibly be removed with a magnet tube. The non-magnetic pieces can be identified based on the rim and size.


CONCLUSIONS
When an esophageal foreign body is not round and smooth like a coin, the fluoroscopic guided procedure becomes more risky with respect to mucosal injury. When a large object is stuck in the esophagus for more than 24 hours, an endoscopy must be considered to rule out any severe damage to the esophageal wall.
Berthold
L D
LD
Medizinisches Zentrum für Radiologie, Abteilung Kinderradiologie, Klinikum der Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen. Lars.D.Berthold@radiol.med.uni-giessen.de
Moritz
J D
JD
Sönksen
S
S
Alzen
G
G
D002648:Child; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008280:Magnetics; D008670:Metals; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008670:Metals