Magnet ingestion with bowel perforation | Figure 1

CincyKidsRad

Cincinnati Children's Radiology

Magnet ingestion with bowel perforation

AP (image 1), zoomed AP (image 2), and upright (image 3) radiograph of the abdomen shows two small magnets (arrow) opposing each other within the right lower quadrant. The presence of air-fluid levels on the upright view is concerning for ileus and suggest that a bowel perforation has occurred. Ingestion of multiple magnets is an emergency. The magnets can attract each other across bowel loops causing pressure necrosis and leading to bowel perforation. If the magnets remain within the stomach, they should be removed. If they have passed beyond the upper gastrointestinal tract, they are often observed with serial radiographs and routine physical examination.