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Chang, Song, and Choi: Ileal Perforation Caused by Ingestion of Multiple Magnets
Original Article
Journal of the Korean Surgical Society

Journal of the Korean Surgical Society 2009; 76(4): 270-272.

Published online: 23 April 2009

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4174/jkss.2009.76.4.270

Ileal Perforation Caused by Ingestion of Multiple Magnets

Yeon Soo Chang, M.D., Jeong Yoon Song, M.D., Sung Il Choi, M.D.

Department of Surgery, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

drchoi@khu.ac.kr

Received 6 August 2008       Accepted 29 September 2008

Copyright © 2009 The Korean Surgical Society

Abstract

Ingestion of foreign bodies is a common clinical problem encountered in early childhood. But ingestion of multiple magnets can cause serious lethal complications. Magnets located within another bowel loop may attract each other across the intestinal walls, resulting pressure necrosis, bowel perforation, fistula formation, intestinal obstruction, and death. Clinicians who care for children should be aware of this unexpected risk of magnetic ingestion. We report a case of ileal perforation caused by ingestion of multiple magnets in a child.

Keywords: Magnets, Foreign body, Ileal perforation

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1
Abdominal X-ray shows metallic foreign body in the middle of abdomen (arrow) and dilatation of bowel loop. Foreign body appears as a single object.
jkss-76-270-g001
Fig. 2
Schematic drawing of operative findings of multiple ileal perforations caused by attraction of magnets across the bowel wall.
jkss-76-270-g002

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