J Korean Surg Soc.  2012 Jun;82(6):394-396.

Jejuno-jejunal fistula induced by magnetic necklace ingestion

• Oh HK
• Ha HK
• Shin R
• Ryoo SB
• Choe EK
• Park KJ

Abstract

We describe the case of a 19-year-old mentally challenged woman who developed jejuno-jejunal fistula following ingestion of a magnetic necklace. This case report demonstrates the necessity of prompt treatment when the ingested intestinal foreign body is suspected to be multiple magnets, even if there are no sharp edges; and even when it seems the object could be evacuated spontaneously. Ingested magnets are capable of attracting each other across the bowel wall, leading to serious intestinal complications such as pressure necrosis, perforation, fistula formation, or intestinal obstruction.

Keyword

Foreign bodies; Ingested magnets; Intestinal fistula

MeSH Terms

Eating
Female
Fistula
Foreign Bodies
Humans
Intestinal Fistula
Intestinal Obstruction
Magnetics
Magnets
Necrosis
Young Adult

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Simple abdominal radiograph shows radiopaque foreign bodies.

• 

  Fig. 2 Intraoperative photograph shows adherent jejunal loop containing foreign bodies.

• 

  Fig. 3 Resected specimen photograph shows jejuno-jejunal fistula by compression necrosis caused by ingested magnetic bead.

Reference

1. Webb WA. Management of foreign bodies of the upper gastrointestinal tract: update. Gastrointest Endosc. 1995. 41:39–51.

2. Tay ET, Weinberg G, Levin TL. Ingested magnets: the force within. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2004. 20:466–467.

3. Chung JH, Kim JS, Song YT. Small bowel complication caused by magnetic foreign body ingestion of children: two case reports. J Pediatr Surg. 2003. 38:1548–1550.

4. Chang YS, Song JY, Choi SI. Ileal perforation caused by ingestion of multiple magnets. J Korean Surg Soc. 2009. 76:270–272.

5. Dutta S, Barzin A. Multiple magnet ingestion as a source of severe gastrointestinal complications requiring surgical intervention. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008. 162:123–125.

6. Brown DJ. Small bowel perforation caused by multiple magnet ingestion. J Emerg Med. 2010. 39:497–498.

7. Oestreich AE. Worldwide survey of damage from swallowing multiple magnets. Pediatr Radiol. 2009. 39:142–147.

8. Honzumi M, Shigemori C, Ito H, Mohri Y, Urata H, Yamamoto T. An intestinal fistula in a 3-year-old child caused by the ingestion of magnets: report of a case. Surg Today. 1995. 25:552–553.

9. Kabre R, Chin A, Rowell E, Browne M, Barsness KA, Luck S, et al. Hazardous complications of multiple ingested magnets: report of four cases. Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2009. 19:187–189.