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Button battery ingestion — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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HardEmergency paediatricsButton battery ingestionRACP Paediatrics

A 14-month-old is seen after gagging near a packet of button batteries. Chest radiograph shows a circular radio-opaque object with a double rim at the thoracic inlet. He is drooling but breathing comfortably. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: C — Immediate endoscopic removal from the oesophagus

A button battery lodged in the oesophagus can cause liquefaction necrosis within hours and requires immediate endoscopic removal. Observation is acceptable only in selected distal batteries that have passed into the stomach and meet size/age criteria. The pearl is to identify the double-rim sign and act before symptoms progress.

Reference: RCH Clinical Practice Guidelines: Button battery ingestion; Poisons Information Centre guidance