Unexpected second foreign bodies in pediatric esophageal coin ingestions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of unexpected second foreign bodies in children who present to the pediatric emergency department with esophageal coin impaction.

DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective chart review pediatric patients with esophageal coin impaction who underwent esophagoscopy/laryngoscopy for coin removal in a 16-year period at a tertiary referral center. Data analysis consists of descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Eighty three of 85 (95%) eligible charts were reviewed. Three children (3.6%) had unsuspected second foreign bodies: an adherent penny, a second penny low in the esophagus, and pieces of paper and lint. No significant esophageal injury occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Unexpected second foreign bodies in pediatric esophageal coin ingestions with adequate radiographic studies are rare and generally do not cause significant esophageal injury.