[Multiple bowel perforations after swallowing magnetic toys]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2007 Dec 3;169(49):4242-3.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Ingestion of small foreign bodies is common in children, and usually does not cause any harm to the gastrointestinal tract. But ingestion of multiple magnets can be hazardous because of the strong attraction of the magnets through the bowel wall, which may lead to bowel wall necrosis and perforation. We describe the case of a 6-year-old autistic boy who swallowed 4 magnets which led to bowel obstruction and 8 small perforations. It is important to be aware of this potential risk if children ingest small magnetic toys.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Colon, Transverse / injuries
  • Colon, Transverse / surgery
  • Foreign Bodies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Perforation / etiology*
  • Intestinal Perforation / surgery
  • Intestine, Small / injuries
  • Intestine, Small / surgery
  • Magnetics / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Play and Playthings / injuries*
  • Radiography, Abdominal
  • Rectum / injuries
  • Rectum / surgery