Arrigo Vittorio Barabino1, Paolo Gandullia2, Silvia Vignola2, Serena Arrigo2, Lucio Zannini3, Pasquale Di Pietro4. 1. Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, G. Gaslini Institute Genoa, Italy. Electronic address: arrigobarabino@ospedale-gaslini.ge.it. 2. Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit, G. Gaslini Institute Genoa, Italy. 3. Cardiovascular Surgery, G. Gaslini, Institute Genoa, Italy. 4. Emergency Medicine, G. Gaslini, Institute Genoa, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Over the last years the ingestion of disk batteries has become frequent in children with serious consequences. The severity of injuries is related to the growing use of new lithium batteries that may cause catastrophic damages when lodged in the oesophagus. METHODS: The notes of three consecutive children with lithium batteries lodged in the oesophagus, admitted to our Institute from 2010 to 2014, were reviewed. Clinical presentation, management, and outcome were considered. RESULTS: The first child, a 22-month-old girl, died of a sudden exsanguination due to an aorto-oesophageal fistula. The second case, a 5-year-old boy, had an exploratory thoracotomy to exclude aortic lesion before battery removal, and a spontaneous oesophageal perforation. The third child, a 18-month-old boy, fully recovered after suffering ulcerative oesophageal burns. CONCLUSION: Lithium battery lodged in the oesophagus is a paediatric emergency requiring a multidisciplinary approach that can be implemented in a tertiary children's hospital.
BACKGROUND: Over the last years the ingestion of disk batteries has become frequent in children with serious consequences. The severity of injuries is related to the growing use of new lithium batteries that may cause catastrophic damages when lodged in the oesophagus. METHODS: The notes of three consecutive children with lithium batteries lodged in the oesophagus, admitted to our Institute from 2010 to 2014, were reviewed. Clinical presentation, management, and outcome were considered. RESULTS: The first child, a 22-month-old girl, died of a sudden exsanguination due to an aorto-oesophageal fistula. The second case, a 5-year-old boy, had an exploratory thoracotomy to exclude aortic lesion before battery removal, and a spontaneous oesophageal perforation. The third child, a 18-month-old boy, fully recovered after suffering ulcerative oesophageal burns. CONCLUSION:Lithium battery lodged in the oesophagus is a paediatric emergency requiring a multidisciplinary approach that can be implemented in a tertiary children's hospital.