The needle and the damage done: pericardial effusion with tamponade after needle ingestion in an infant
2009 ◽
Vol 123
(12)
◽
pp. 1396-1398
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Keyword(s):
AbstractObjective:Paediatric foreign bodies may present with vague and nonspecific symptoms. It is important to have a high index of suspicion when managing such cases.Method:We report the case of a nine-month-old infant who presented with a wheeze, cough and fever following ingestion of a needle.Results:This patient developed pericardial tamponade as a consequence of the needle ingestion, and required a thoracotomy for retrieval. We discuss the pathophysiology involved and the surgery required.Conclusion:Pericardial tamponade is a rare but potentially fatal manifestation of an ingested foreign body.