Intestinal perforation caused by magnetic toys.
Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies is a common problem in children, but ingestion of magnets is rare. When multiple magnets are ingested, they may attract each other through the intestinal walls, causing pressure necrosis, perforation, fistula formation, or intestinal obstruction; as has been reported in 13 cases in the past 10 years. We report the fifth case in the literature of intestinal perforation and fistula caused by the ingestion of 2 small magnetic pieces of a toy by a 3-year-old boy. We find it necessary that sanitary authorities give more information to parents and physicians about the potential risks of these magnetic toys.
Hernández Anselmi
Esperanza
E
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Hospital Infantil La Fe, Valencia, Spain. espejuliet@hotmail.com
Gutiérrez San Román
Carlos
C
Barrios Fontoba
Jose Enrique
JE
Ayuso González
Lidia
L
Valdés Dieguez
Estíbaliz
E
Lluna González
Javier
J
Roca Molla
Amparo
A
García-Sala Viguer
Carlos
C
Gómez Montes
Jacinto
J
Cortina Orts
Héctor
H
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005547:Foreign Bodies; D006801:Humans; D007077:Ileal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008280:Magnetics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography