Acute Appendicitis Secondary to Foreign Body Ingestion in a 5-Year-Old Girl

Abstract

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is common among children. Complications following FB ingestion are reported to be around 1%. The prevalence of acute appendicitis caused by FB ingestion is rare. We present a case of a young girl who presented to the emergency department with acute appendicitis secondary to FB ingestion. A previously healthy 5-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms as well as a history of recent FB ingestion. Her physical examination was in keeping with acute appendicitis, and a computed tomography abdomen and pelvis confirmed the presence of FB distal to the neck of the appendix and measures around 6 mm causing obstruction and dilatation. At the time of laparoscopic appendectomy, acute appendicitis with perforation was confirmed and the patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged home on the 5th day with satisfactory outcome. Presentation of FB ingestion can vary. Most physicians are aware of the respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms that can occur; however, the possibility of FB causing acute appendicitis should also be considered.