Impacted radio-opaque glass in the oesophagus of a child

N Z Med J. 2008 Apr 18;121(1272):86-8.

Abstract

Most ingested foreign bodies in the aero-digestive tracts in both children and adults are not radio-opaque, and as a result, a preoperative plain radiograph may not be helpful. However, incorporating radio-opaque markers into such potential foreign bodies like toys, beads, and dentures during manufacture (as illustrated in this case of a 6-year-old boy who ingested a piece of glass mirror which was easily seen on X-ray) would obviate this problem. While this may constitute some financial burden on manufacturers, the cost effectiveness on health management is non-negotiable. We suggest that appropriate authorities and regulatory bodies should enforce this through legislation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Esophagoscopy
  • Esophagus*
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Glass*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography