Magnet induced small bowel volvulus in a paediatric patient: a case report

Tshepang Arthur Motsepe; Kasongo Mare‑Josee Kasakanga; Shaan Marthinus Maritz

doi:10.18203/2349-2902.isj20253464

Authors

Tshepang Arthur Motsepe Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Kasongo Mare‑Josee Kasakanga Department of Paediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0039-8082
Shaan Marthinus Maritz Emergency Department, Netcare Unitas Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5274-3159

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20253464

Keywords:

Case report, Children, Magnet ingestion, Small bowel, Volvulus

Abstract

Ingestion of magnetic objects in children can cause life-threatening complications, such as small bowel perforation and peritonitis. Magnets are known to cause localised bowel ischaemia due to pressure necrosis that results in perforations and fistulae. However, the occurrence of small bowel volvulus, which carries more serious outcomes from the rotational mesenteric strangulation that leads to widespread bowel ischaemia and necrosis, is rarely reported. We present the case of a 4-year-old boy who developed an acute abdomen after swallowing magnetic pellets, which were discovered during laparotomy. Although magnet ingestion is a recognised cause of abdominal surgical emergencies, the risk of a volvulus underscores the need for a more urgent and decisive approach to obviate significant morbidity and mortality.

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