Presentation
Swallowed foreign bodies. History of deliberate self harm.
Patient Data
There are 2 metallic foreign bodies projected within the mid esophagus in keeping with ingested button batteries. The lateral projection confirms they are not in the trachea.
No associated mediastinal gas or pneumothorax. The lungs are clear. Sternal wires in keeping with prior surgery for congenital heart disease.
Case Discussion
In general esophageal foreign bodies are oriented in the coronal plane whereas tracheal foreign bodies are oriented in the sagittal plane.
CT showed no evidence of perforation. Oesophagoscopy demonstrated mucosal necrosis.