Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Use for Detection of Multiple Metallic Foreign Body Ingestion in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Case Report

Foreign body ingestions are common complaints in the pediatric emergency department that can be difficult to diagnose in patients with vague symptoms. Magnetic foreign body ingestion can cause significant morbidity and mortality in children. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an imaging modality that can be used to readily diagnose emergent abdominal pathology in a timely matter at the patient’s bedside. In the case described in the report below, a 6-year-old male swallowed multiple round magnets, causing severe abdominal pain. This was detected on POCUS. An abdominal radiograph also confirmed the POCUS findings of multiple hyperechoic round foreign bodies. Key clinical features and sonographic findings are discussed that may help clinicians using POCUS to identify ingested foreign bodies in Pediatric Emergency Departments. TOPICS: Point-of-care ultrasound, pediatric emergency medicine, foreign body ingestion.