Multiple Magnet Ingestion Leading to Intestinal Fistula in an Autistic 13 Year Old Female - Abstract
Introduction: Foreign body ingestion is a common problem in the pediatric population. Specifically, magnet ingestion, which has unique and potentially life-threatening consequences, has increased significantly in the last decade.
Case Presentation: A 13-year-old female with severe autism presented with vague abdominal discomfort and bloating. Abdominal films confirmed multiple foreign bodies in the stomach and small bowel.The gastric foreign bodies were found to be magnets and successfully removed endoscopically. The magnets in the small bowel were found to have perforated into the cecum on colonoscopy and therefore, surgery was deemed necessary.
Conclusion: While foreign body ingestion is most commonly seen in young children, other pediatric populations, such as children with autism, are also at risk. The symptoms of magnet ingestion can be vague, but the complications are life-threatening. Therefore, familiarity with the common symptoms and early recognition are crucial for the management of these cases.