Citation

Al-Taie B, Rosvall O, Larsson M, Edholm D. Paediatr. Int. Child Health 2023; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Maney Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/20469047.2023.2277506

PMID

38018156

Abstract

The ingestion of button batteries (BB) by children has become more common, and this can cause oesophageal injury, perforation and even life-threatening haemorrhage.

A 1-year-old infant who presented to the emergency room with loss of appetite and vomiting, and was discharged with suspected gastro-enteritis is described. One week later she returned with haematemesis. Chest radiography detected a BB in the stomach and it was removed operatively. Haematemesis and hypovolaemic shock ensued and, while waiting for the paediatric cardiothoracic team, the profuse oesophageal bleeding was controlled using an adult-size Sengstaken—Blakemore tube (SBT). An aorto-oesophageal fistula at the aortic arch was identified and repaired. This case highlights the importance of suspecting ingestion of BB, and performing a chest radiography in children who present with swallowing difficulties, haematemesis and haemodynamic instability. The adult-size SBT was well tolerated by the child and was lifesaving in controlling the bleeding from the aorta.

Language: en

Keywords

aorto-oesophageal fistula; Button battery; Sengstaken–Blakemore tube