• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.84-88
• /
• 2008

If multiple magnets are ingested, the potential exists for the magnets attracting one another across the gastrointestinal tract and inducing pressure necrosis, perforation, fistula formation, or intestinal obstruction. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who suffered from a fistulous communication between the lesser curvature of the mid-body of the stomach and the duodenal bulb, caused by 4 ingested magnets (Singing Magnets, China). The patient presented with moderate mental retardation, a one-year history of cyclic vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. We present the findings of simple abdominal radiography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, computed tomography, and upper gastrointestinal series. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, which revealed a gastroduodenal fistula. Fistula repair and the removal of 4 magnetic toys were subsequently performed. We emphasize that clinicians who care for children should be aware of the hazards of magnetic toy ingestion.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.336-340
• /
• 2018

Foreign body ingestions pose a significant health risk in children. Neodymium magnets are high-powered, rare-earth magnets that is a serious issue in the pediatric population due to their strong magnetic force and high rate of complications. When multiple magnets are ingested, there is potential for morbidity and mortality, including gastrointestinal fistula formation, obstruction, bleeding, perforation, and death. Many cases require surgical intervention for removal of the magnets and management of subsequent complications. However, we report a case of multiple magnet ingestion in a 19-month-old child complicated by gastroduodenal fistula that was successfully treated by endoscopic removal and supportive care avoiding the need for surgical intervention. At two-week follow-up, the child was asymptomatic and upper gastrointestinal series obtained six months later demonstrated resolution of the fistula.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.65 no.1
• /
• pp.21-28
• /
• 2022

Crohn disease (CD) is a multifactorial inflammatory disorder that can affect all segments of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract but typically involves the ileum and/or colon. To assess patient prognosis and choose appropriate treatment, it is necessary to accurately evaluate the factors influencing poor outcomes, including disease phenotype. Pediatric CD involving the upper GI (UGI) tract has become increasingly recognized with the introduction of routine upper endoscopy with biopsies for all patients and the increased availability of accurate small bowel evaluations. Most clinical manifestations are mild and nonspecific; however, UGI involvement should not be overlooked since it can cause serious complications. Although controversy persists about the definition of upper GI involvement, aphthoid ulcers, longitudinal ulcers, a bamboo joint-like appearance, stenosis, and fistula are endoscopic findings suggestive of CD. In addition, the primary histological findings, such as focally enhanced gastritis and noncaseating granulomas, are highly suggestive of CD. The association between UGI involvement and poor prognosis of CD remains controversial. However, the unstandardized definition and absence of a validated tool for evaluating disease severity complicate the objective assessment of UGI involvement in CD. Therefore, more prospective studies are needed to provide further insight into the standardized assessment of UGI involvement and long-term prognosis of CD. Our review summarizes the findings to date in the literature as well as UGI involvement in CD and its clinical implications.