Presentation
Swallowed metal wire. History of swallowing non-edible items.
Patient Data
1. Scattered constipated colon or fecal stasis, especially at rectosigmoid segment (severe).
2. No acute intra-abdominal process.
3. Curvilinear metallic foreign body at rectosigmoid junction.
Case Discussion
Most foreign bodies are able to pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract and not require surgery 1. However, metallic bodies such as a wire can risk penetrating the rectal wall and entering the rectal lumen 2. If this is the case, surgery would be required.
This case was submitted with supervision and input from:
Soni C. Chawla, M.D.
Health Sciences Clinical Professor,
Department of Radiological Sciences,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Attending Pediatric Radiologist,
Olive View - UCLA Medical Center.