Ingested coin

Case contributed by Leonardo Lustosa
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Ingested a coin a couple of hours ago. Asymptomatic.

Patient Data

Age: 5 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Radiograph revealed a round metallic density object in keeping with a coin projecting over the umbilical region. No signs of obstruction or perforation.

Some metallic artifacts from the patient's clothing are noted, these could mimic an ingested body.

Case Discussion

In the present case, the history of coin ingestion was corroborated by the radiograph.

It is essential to identify the object correctly. While a coin is mostly harmless, a battery could injure the patient. These are very similar, but batteries usually have a slight step in profile and an inner ring when viewed across its diameter.

Some metallic artifacts from the patient's clothing are noted, these could mimic an ingested body. Ideally, the patient's clothing should be removed before imaging.

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