Worldwide survey of damage from swallowing multiple magnets.
BACKGROUND
It is increasingly recognized that in children swallowed multiple magnets cause considerable damage to the gastrointestinal tract.


OBJECTIVE
To emphasize that complications from swallowed magnets are extensive worldwide and throughout childhood.


METHODS
The author surveyed radiologists and researched cases of magnet swallowing in the literature and documented age and gender, numbers of magnets, nature of the magnets, reasons for swallowing, and clinical course.


RESULTS
A total of 128 instances of magnet swallowing were identified, one fatal. Cases from 21 countries were found. Magnet swallowing occurred throughout childhood, with most children older than 3 years of age. Numbers of swallowed magnets ranged up to 100. Twelve children were known to be autistic. Many reasons were given for swallowing magnets, and a wide range of gastrointestinal damage was encountered. Considerable delay before seeking medical assistance was frequent, as was delay before obtaining radiographs or US imaging.


CONCLUSIONS
Damage from swallowing multiple magnets is a considerable worldwide problem. More educational and preventative measures are needed.
Oestreich
Alan E
AE
Radiology Department 5031, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA. alan.oestreich@cchmc.org
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D038622:Internationality; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013275:Stomach Rupture / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000453:epidemiology*