Unexpected second foreign bodies in pediatric esophageal coin ingestions.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of unexpected second foreign bodies in children who present to the pediatric emergency department with esophageal coin impaction.

DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective chart review pediatric patients with esophageal coin impaction who underwent esophagoscopy/laryngoscopy for coin removal in a 16-year period at a tertiary referral center. Data analysis consists of descriptive statistics.

RESULTS: Eighty three of 85 (95%) eligible charts were reviewed. Three children (3.6%) had unsuspected second foreign bodies: an adherent penny, a second penny low in the esophagus, and pieces of paper and lint. No significant esophageal injury occurred.

CONCLUSIONS: Unexpected second foreign bodies in pediatric esophageal coin ingestions with adequate radiographic studies are rare and generally do not cause significant esophageal injury.