Danger of multiple magnets beyond the stomach in children.

Examples from our recent experience, as well as several reports in surgical and pediatric journals, proclaim the danger in children whenever more than one swallowed magnet travels beyond the stomach. They may attract across the thin walls of small bowel, causing ischemia, necrosis and perforation into the peritoneum. The radiologist or other healthcare worker seeing magnets in the abdomen on radiographs should consider the situation an emergency and recommend surgical treatment as soon as possible.