A case of ingested multiple magnetic beads: the importance of suspicion based on medical history

Abstract

Recently, neodymium magnetic beads became popular in Korea. The beads, each 5 mm in diameter, can be connected in dozens to hundreds or even thousands to create the desired shape. As the popularity of magnetic beads increases, ingestion of the beads is presumed to become more frequent. Because infants and toddlers lack communicating skills, the guardians may not recognize swallowing of the beads without witness. This is of particular concern because children who swallow multiple magnets are at risk of abdominal complications such as necrosis, perforation, fistula, and stenosis. Here, we report a child who swallowed multiple neodymium magnetic beads unwitnessed. The case report was exempted by the Institutional Review Board with a waiver for the requirement of informed consent (IRB no. PC20ZAS10072). 여러 개의 자석을 삼킨 소아: 병력 청취를 통한 의심의 중요성