Foreign objects are a relatively common cause of abdominal pain in children, but ingestion of multiple magnets poses a unique and serious health risk. Imagine that seemingly innocent game moments turn into medical emergency. For a young girl in Brazil, it was the reality of swallowing seven small balls of magnets, resulting in serious complications requiring surgical intervention. Her story emphasizes the vital importance of awareness and action quickly.
Dr. Daniel Tanure, along with Dr. Laura Moreira and Renato Rebous from the São Vicente de Paulo Hospital of Minas Gerais Federal University, Dr. Jansen Tanure from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, and Professor Joao Rezende-Neto from the University of Toronto participated in the study This situation . Their work is published in the International Case Report on Surgery. The girl had abdominal pain, constipation and appetite reduction for several days, but had no signs of vomiting, fever or peritoneal. Despite normal ultrasound results, further investigations showed serious potential problems.
After admission, the initial investigation included blood tests and abdominal X-rays. Blood tests showed elevated white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels, indicating an inflammatory response. An abdominal radiograph shows metal foreign bodies in the small intestine and gas extension in the proximal gastrointestinal tract. These findings suggest that there are multiple magnets causing blockage.
Given the severity of the symptoms and preliminary findings, the medical team decided to perform a midline laparotomy. Dr. Tanure explains that this surgical approach is necessary to directly resolve intestinal perforation and retrieve magnets. During the operation, the team found that the magnets were connected through a linear configuration and caused small perforations in the intestine. Remove the magnets and repair the damaged portion of the intestine through a meticulous process involving the resection of necrotic tissue and the suture of the perforated area. “The magnets may pinch the intestinal wall when they attract each other, causing ischemia and perforation,” Dr. Tanier said.
It is worth noting that intake of multiple magnets increases the risk of serious complications such as Volturus, fistulas and perforations, which can lead to peritonitis and, if not treated immediately, may lead to peritonitis. The team noted that, where possible, endoscopy is preferred to remove such foreign objects. However, in this case, a surgical approach is required because the magnet has been transferred from the stomach to the intestine. The initial non-invasive measures include inserting the nasal canal to decompress the stomach and administering laxatives to facilitate the passage of the magnet. However, when these measures prove insufficient, surgical intervention is required to prevent further complications.
Magnet intake is an increasingly serious concern, especially in young children. A study in the United States reported a large number of cases over a decade, with most incidents involving children of that age. Similarly, a Latin American study found that a significant part of the endoscope performed in children was caused by ingested magnets. These figures emphasize the importance of preventive measures and parental awareness to avoid such dangerous events.
Dr. Tanure stressed that parents and caregivers must be vigilant about the risks posed by magnetic toys and household items. “Awareness and education are crucial to preventing these incidents,” he noted. The team’s findings advocate for increased public health campaigns to inform the risks of magnet intake and the importance of timely medical interventions.
In short, ingestion of multiple magnets poses a significant health risk to pediatric patients and therefore requires a quick and effective medical response. The detailed case report by Tanure and colleagues Dr. Tanure provides valuable insights into the clinical management of such cases, highlighting the importance of awareness and preparation among healthcare providers and caregivers.
Journal Reference
Tanure, D., Moreira, L., Tanure, J., Rezende-Neto, J., Rebouças, R. “Pediatric intake of multiple ball magnets that cause intestinal perforation: Case Report.” International Case Report on Surgery, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109505
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Tanure Is a family medicine resident at McMaster University, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Tanure received his MD from 2013 to 2019 from the federal federal De Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The Belo Horizonte Center and in the ICU at the Eduardo de Menezes Hospital, then began graduate training at McMaster. His main areas of interest are emergency medicine, medical education and emergency care.
