title: Unusual complication of ingestion of a foreign body.
abstract: Foreign bodies of the upper aerodigestive tract are common problems dealt with by the otolaryngologist. Among all foreign bodies in the oesophagus, an open safety pin still presents a challenge for the ENT specialists because of its propensity to pierce the oesophagus and surrounding structures. We present an interesting case of a long-standing foreign body i.e. an open safety pin, which, after piercing the hypopharynx, caused fatal common carotid artery rupture.
authors.affiliation: Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated L.N., G.B.P. Hospitals and GNEC, New Delhi-110002, India.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Passey
authors.forename: Ravi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Meher
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: Bulbul
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gupta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020212:Carotid Artery Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications*; D006794:Household Articles; D006801:Humans; D012421:Rupture / Q000209:etiology