Hamartoma fibrovascular facial grave en paciente con esclerosis tuberosa (ET). Resolución de caso problema. Nuestra experiencia / Severe facial fibrovascular hamartoma in a patient with tuberous sclerosis (TS). Problem case resolution. Our experience

La ET es un trastorno multisistémico autosómico dominante que se caracteriza por displasia celular y tisular en varios órganos (cerebro, corazón, piel, ojos, riñones, pulmones) que constituyen una fuente importante de morbilidad y mortalidad. Las manifestaciones comunes incluyen tubérculos corticales, nódulos subependimarios, astrocitomas subependimarios de células gigantes, convulsiones, rabdomiomas cardíacos, AML renales, hamartomas retinianos, linfangioleiomiomatosis pulmonar, angiofibromas faciales, manchas de hojas de ceniza, parches de Shagreen, discapacidad intelectual y trastorno del espectro autista. Se presenta a continuación la resolución de un caso problema grave de una paciente que llega a la consulta al hospital público, con severa incapacidad para mantener la permeabilidad de la válvula nasal externa, a expensas de formación harmartomatosa grave, de años de evolución, fétida y sangrante, decidiéndose tomar conducta quirúrgica urgente y agresiva dada las condiciones de la lesión, la poca colaboración de la paciente y el contexto familiar de la misma que presenta además trastornos conductuales asociados a manifestaciones neurológicas de la enfermedad (retraso madurativo)

ET is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder characterized by cellular and tissue dysplasia in several organs (brain, heart, skin, eyes, kidneys, lungs) that constitute a major source of morbidity and mortality. Common manifestations include cortical tubercles, subependymal nodules, subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, seizures, cardiac rhabdomyomas, renal AML, retinal hamartomas, pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis, facial angiofibromas, ash leaf spots, shagreen patches, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder. This paper presents the resolution of a serious problem case of a patient who attends the consultation of a public hospital, with severe inability to maintain the patency of the external nasal valve, at the expense of severe harmartomatous formation, of many years of evolution, fetid and bleeding, deciding to undertake urgent and aggressive surgical conduct given the conditions of the lesion, the lack of collaboration of the patient and the family context of the same, which also presents behavioral disorders associated with neurological manifestations of the disease (maturational delay).

Rotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation. / Alternância de máscara nasal com pronga nasal reduz a incidência de lesão nasal moderada a grave em prematuros em uso de ventilação não invasiva.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between noninvasive ventilation delivery devices and the incidence of nasal septum injury in preterm infants. METHODS: This retrospective singlecenter cohort study included preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation. The incidence of nasal injury was compared among three groups according to the noninvasive ventilation delivery device (G1 - nasal mask; G2 - binasal prongs; and G3, rotation of nasal mask with prongs). Nasal injury was classified according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel as stages 1 - 4. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to estimate relative risks to identify possible predictors associated with medical device-related injuries. RESULTS: Among the 300 infants included in the study, the incidence of medical device-related injuries in the rotating group was significantly lower than that in the continuous mask or prong groups (n = 68; 40.48%; p value < 0.01).The basal prong group presented more stage 2 injuries (n = 15; 55.56%; p < 0.01). Staying ≥ 7 days in noninvasive ventilation was associated with a higher frequency of medical device-related injuries, regardless of device (63.81%; p < 0.01). Daily increments in noninvasive ventilation increased the risk for nasal injury by 4% (95%CI 1.02 - 1.06; p < 0.01). Higher birth weight indicated protection against medical device-related injuries. Each gained gram represented a decrease of 1% in the risk of developing nasal septum injury (RR: 0.99; 95%CI 0.99 - 0.99; p < 0.04). CONCLUSION: Rotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in comparison with single devices. The addition of days using noninvasive ventilation seems to contribute to medical device-related injuries, and higher birth weight is a protective factor.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a relação entre dispositivos de ventilação não invasiva e incidência de lesão do septo nasal em recém-nascidos pré-termo. MÉTODOS: Este estudo de coorte retrospectivo e unicêntrico incluiu prematuros em uso de ventilação não invasiva. A incidência de lesão nasal foi comparada entre três grupos, de acordo com o dispositivo de ventilação não invasiva (G1 para máscara nasal; G2 para prongas binasais e G3 para alternância entre máscaras e prongas nasais). As lesões nasais foram classificadas de acordo com o National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel como estágios 1 - 4. Foram realizadas análises de regressão multivariada para estimar os riscos relativos, a fim de identificar possíveis preditores associados a lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos. RESULTADOS: Entre os 300 lactentes incluídos no estudo, a incidência de lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos no grupo em uso alternado foi significativamente menor do que a nos grupos de máscara ou prongas de uso contínuo (n = 68; 40,48%; valor de p < 0,01).O grupo de prongas nasais apresentou mais lesões de estágio 2 (n = 15; 55,56%; p < 0,01). A permanência ≥ 7 dias em ventilação não invasiva foi associada a maior incidência de lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos, independentemente do dispositivo (63,81%; p < 0,01). Os incrementos diários na ventilação não invasiva aumentaram o risco de lesões nasais em 4% (IC95% 1,02 - 1,06; p < 0,01). Um maior peso ao nascer indicou proteção contra lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos. Cada grama extra representou diminuição de 1% no risco de desenvolver lesão do septo nasal (RR: 0,99; IC95% 0,99 - 0,99; p < 0,04). CONCLUSÃO: A alternância entre máscaras e prongas nasais reduz a incidência de lesão nasal moderada a grave em comparação com dispositivos únicos. O incremento de dias em uso de ventilação não invasiva parece contribuir para lesões relacionadas a dispositivos médicos, e um maior peso ao nascer é um fator de proteção.

Influence of Surgical Trauma in the Nasal Cavity on the Expression of p53 Protein in the Hippocampus of Rats.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of the stress effect of septoplasty modeling on p53 protein expression in the hippocampus of rats under conditions of sensory olfactory deprivation. Simulation of septoplasty was carried out on 30 sexually mature male rats. A quantitative assessment of the apoptosis of neurons in the pyramidal layer of the hippocampus in the subfields CA1, CA2, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) on days 2, 4, and 6 after surgery was carried out. Histological sections were stained by the immunohistochemical method with antibodies to the p53 protein. An increase in the number of p53-positive neurons was noted in all subfields; the maximum increase in the number of apoptotic neurons was noted on day 4 after surgery. The stress effect of modeling septoplasty in rats, accompanied by sensory deprivation of the peripheral part of the olfactory analyzer, provoked the expression of p53 and the initiation of apoptosis mechanisms in various subfields of the hippocampus.

Presentation and management of nasal foreign bodies in a Chinese metro area.

ABSTRACT: Nasal foreign bodies in children are common complaints encountered by pediatric otolaryngologists. We investigated clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of nasal foreign bodies in children in a Chinese metro area.Six hundred sixty eight children with nasal foreign bodies presented to Shenzhen Children's Hospital, diagnosed and treated by the authors were enrolled from January 2016 to October 2019, causes for medical consultation, age, sex, duration, types, locations, removal, and complications were recorded and analyzed.Nasal foreign bodies were common in children between 1 and 5 years of ages (96.8%). The right nasal cavity (61.4%) was the most common site for foreign body insertion (61.4%). Most of the children (89.4%) presented for a complaint of nasal discomfort or foreign body insertion themselves, or for foreign body impaction discovered by the caregivers. Most of the foreign bodies (85.0%) were discovered within 1 day. The most nasal foreign bodies were the whole toys and toy parts (34.1%). The majority of nasal foreign bodies (99.1%) located in the antero-inferior portion of the nasal cavities and could be removed with simple instruments. The occurrence of complications in nasal foreign bodies (10.2%) was not common.The present study objectively exhibited clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of nasal foreign bodies in a Chinese metro area.

Correctly performed nasal swabs.

BACKGROUND: As the incidence of new cases of coronavirus disease increased exponentially, the use of viral swabs to collect nasopharyngeal specimens are increasing drastically. Therefore, healthcare workers military staff and uneducated nonprofessional's were ordered to make this swabs. Subsequently case reports reported about basal skull perforation, cerebrospinal fluid fistula and injury due to an incorrect technique. METHODS: Search of the literature. RESULTS: Only in 44% of the videos (Youtube) nasal swabs were correctly performed. Due to an false technique biological sampling resulted in false-negative COVID-19 tests. CONCLUSION: Although professional societies started to report about this unacceptable situation, no publication reported about this health endangerment. In this time of overwhelming information and diversity of opinions, it is necessary to report about this in the hope, all media and TV reports will follow this article to show correctly performed nasal swabs to reduce false-negative COVID-19 tests and injury.

Acute intranasal intoxication with mercuric chloride taken accidently instead of cocaine - A case report.

CONTEXT: Mercuric chloride (mercury (II) chloride) belongs to inorganic mercury compounds characterized by good water solubility and associated high toxicity. The paper describes an unusual case of intranasal intoxication with corrosive sublimate confused with cocaine by a young male. CASE REPORT: Intranasal administration of corrosive sublimate caused severe local symptoms of chemical burn within the nasal cavity. From the 2nd day the patient developed symptoms of renal dysfunction with transient polyuria and serum retention of nitrogen metabolites. The patient was undergoing chelation therapy with DMPS, N-acetylcysteine and d-penicyllamine. Four procedures of haemodialysis were performed with simultaneous DMPS and N-acetylcysteine treatment. The urine mercury level on the first day of hospitalization was 1989 µg/L, and after 26 days of treatment returned to the physiological level. During treatment renal function was normalized, the patient was discharged in general good condition. DISCUSSION: Mercuric chloride is readily absorbed from the nasal cavity. Its administration may cause intoxication manifested by both chemical burn at the exposure site and systemic symptoms, particularly renal impairment. Even in case of renal dysfunction the use of DMPS seems safe, if haemodialysis is performed at the same time. Simultaneous haemodialysis and chelation therapy may accelerate elimination of mercury from the organism.

The Effect of Surgical Trauma in the Nasal Cavity on the Behavior in the Open Field and the Autonomic Nervous System of Rats.

In this article, the effect of surgical damage to the nasal mucosa in rats under the action of general anesthesia was investigated. The motor activity and heart rate variability (HRV) of rats were studied before and 2 days after the surgery. After surgical exposure, motor activity decreased, the time of fading and grooming increased, VLF increased, and HF decreased. Surgical trauma of the nasal septum in rats at the early postoperative stage promotes a pronounced stress response in the form of a sharp shift in the balance of the autonomic nervous system towards the sympathetic level and causes a decrease in exploratory activity, an anxiety, and a depressive-like state in rats.

Safety and Tolerability of Pharyngeal High-Resolution Manometry.

Purpose Pharyngeal high-resolution manometry is an emerging practice for diagnosis of swallowing disorders in the upper aerodigestive tract. Advancement of a catheter through the upper esophageal sphincter may introduce safety considerations. There are no published studies of catheter placement complications, side effects, or tolerability. This study examines patient-reported side effects and tolerability of pharyngeal high-resolution manometry. Method Data were collected prospectively from 133 adult patients who underwent pharyngeal high-resolution manometry for the 1st time. Patients rated tolerability specific to "nose" and "throat" using a visual analog scale for 4 procedure time points: catheter passage, during the procedure, catheter removal, and after the procedure. Complications during catheter passage and removal were recorded. A telephone call was placed to the patient within 6 days to survey side effects experienced after the procedure. Results The patient sample was composed of 91 males and 42 females with a mean age of 66 years ( SD = 14.4). Tolerability scores for catheter passage showed no significant difference ( p = .7288) in the nose versus throat. Tolerability for females was significantly less ( p = .0144) than that for males. Participants with the shortest procedure duration showed greatest discomfort in the nose ( p = .0592) and throat ( p = .0286). Complications included gag response (14%), emesis (2%), and epistaxis (< 1%). Side effects included sore throat (16%), nose discomfort (16%), coughing (11 %), nosebleed (4%), and nausea/vomiting (4%). Conclusions High-resolution manometry appears to have high patient tolerability with low incidence of side effects. Rates of complications and side effects are similar to those reported for other transnasal procedures.

[The injuries to the nose and paranasal sinuses in the children resulting from shooting an air rifle]. / Povrezhdeniia nosa i okolonosovykh pazukh u detei pri strel'be iz pnevmaticheskogo oruzhiia.

This article reports two clinical cases of the successful treatment of the gunshot wounds in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of the children resulting from the careless use of the pneumatic weapons. Despite the fact that the shots were fired from a close distance, the intracranial structures and the eyeballs remained unaffected. The bullets were localized in the nasal septum of one child and in the frontal recess of the other as is typical of the injuries inflicted to the nose and paranasal sinuses by the shots from the air rifles. Multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) is known to have a number of important advantages over the roentgenological examination for determining the location of the bullets. Bullets for pneumatic rifles are manufactured in the form of the balls either from lead or copper-coated steel; therefore, they are a priory can not be removed with the use of a magnet.

Nasal care in intensive care unit patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate nasal hygiene in intensive care patients and improve patient care using isotonic saline nasal spray. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study group, over a period of tendays saline nasal spray was administered four times daily. Nasal treatment was not given to the control group. Each patient was examined with a flexible nasopharyngoscope before and after the treatment and a nasal culture was taken. RESULTS: In the study group, the secretion score (1- absent; 2- serosal; 3- seropurulent and 4- purulent) mean value improved from 1.9 to 1.4. In the control group, the secretion score mean value had risen from 1.7 to 3.1. At the beginning of the study, there was no difference in secretion scores between the groups, but on the tenth day a statistically significant difference was found. CONCLUSION: The use of saline nasal spray in this group of intensive care patients was found to be effective in achieving nasal hygiene.

A stitch in time: unrecognized retained foreign bodies after a needlefish injury.

We present a case report of a traveller injured by a needlefish in the Caribbean. The needlefish leapt from the ocean and struck the traveller's face at high speed, causing a seemingly superficial puncture wound on his nose. Later, it became apparent that multiple fish bones had broken off and lodged in his nasal cavity, very narrowly missing his cribriform plate. Some bones were discharged spontaneously through his nose over the next 3 months, and one required surgical removal. Our report highlights the importance of urgent radiological examination in patients injured by needlefish, even if the external wound appears insignificant.

Nasal masks or binasal prongs for delivering continuous positive airway pressure in preterm neonates-a randomised trial.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) delivered using nasal masks with binasal prongs. We randomly allocated 72 neonates between 26 and 32 weeks gestation to receive bubble CPAP by either nasal mask (n = 37) or short binasal prongs (n = 35). Primary outcome was mean FiO2 requirement at 6, 12 and 24 h of CPAP initiation and the area under curve (AUC) of FiO2 against time during the first 24 h (FiO2 AUC0-24). Secondary outcomes were the incidence of CPAP failure and nasal trauma. FiO2 requirement at 6, 12 and 24 h (mean (SD); 25 (5.8) vs. 27.9 (8); 23.8 (4.5) vs. 25.4 (6.8) and 22.6 (6.8) vs. 22.7 (3.3)) as well as FiO2 AUC0-24 (584.0 (117.8) vs. 610.6 (123.6)) were similar between the groups. There was no difference in the incidence of CPAP failure (14 vs. 20%; relative risk 0.67; 95% confidence interval 0.24-1.93). Incidence of severe nasal trauma was lower with the use of nasal masks (0 vs. 31%; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal masks appear to be as efficacious as binasal prongs in providing CPAP. Masks are associated with lower risk of severe nasal trauma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI2012/08/002868 What is Known? • Binasal prongs are better than single nasal and nasopharyngeal prongs for delivering continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preventing need for re-intubation. • It is unclear if they are superior to newer generation nasal masks in preterm neonates requiring CPAP. What is New? • Oxygen requirement during the first 24 h of CPAP delivery is comparable with use of nasal masks and binasal prongs. • Use of nasal masks is, however, associated with significantly lower risk of severe grades of nasal injury.

Primary incisor intruded through the nasal cavity: a case report.

Intrusive luxation may cause complications for the primary tooth and generate adverse sequelae in the permanent successor. Although intrusion is prevalent in the primary dentition, full intrusion is a rare event that requires specialized treatment and a multidisciplinary approach. This article describes the case of a 1-year-old girl who presented with traumatic displacement of the maxillary left central incisor into the nasal cavity. The parents sought treatment 1 month after the child sustained the injury, and the impacted tooth was removed through her left nostril under general anesthesia. Four-year clinical and radiographic follow-up revealed no adverse sequelae.

Utilidad del colgajo paramediofrontral en cirugía reconstructiva nasal: estudio retrospectivo de una serie de 41 pacientes / Usefulness of the Paramedian Forehead Flap in Nasal Reconstructive Surgery: A Retrospective Series of 41 Patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: La pirámide nasal, área de difícil reconstrucción quirúrgica, constituye una localización predilecta del cáncer cutáneo no melanoma. La cirugía oncológica a menudo origina defectos cutáneos extensos, con la participación ocasional del cartílago subyacente y de la mucosa nasal. Nuestro objetivo es describir nuestra experiencia en el uso del colgajo paramediofrontal en la reconstrucción de defectos nasales. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos en los que se empleó un colgajo paramediofrontal para la reconstrucción de defectos quirúrgicos nasales (julio de 2004-marzo de 2011). Se describen aspectos clinicoepidemiológicos, características de la técnica quirúrgica, complicaciones, procedimientos secundarios y resultados cosméticos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyen 41 pacientes, con edad media de 67 años (SD: 10,36) y de predominio masculino (2,4:1). Los factores de riesgo asociados fueron diabetes (27%), factores de riesgo cardiovascular (49%) y hábitos tóxicos (19,5%). Los defectos de sustancia eran mayoritariamente distales (80%) y no penetrantes (78%), con un tamaño medio de 21,6mm (SD: 6,78). Un 14,6% de los pacientes presentaron complicaciones posquirúrgicas precoces y un 31,7% secuelas tardías (22% abultamiento del colgajo y 19% transposición de pelo), requiriéndose técnicas de refinamiento secundario en el 19,5% de los pacientes. Los resultados cosméticos se consideraron mayoritariamente aceptables/excelentes (90,2%). DISCUSIÓN: El colgajo paramediofrontal es un colgajo versátil, que proporciona características similares en color y textura a la piel de la pirámide nasal. Su pedículo vascular seguro garantiza su viabilidad, así como la de otros tejidos, cuando se utiliza en combinación con injertos condromucosos o condrocutáneos. Para la obtención de resultados óptimos pueden requerirse procedimientos de revisión secundarios

INTRODUCTION: Surgical reconstruction of the external nose, a common site for nonmelanoma skin cancer, is difficult. Oncologic surgery often leaves large skin defects, occasionally involving the underlying cartilage and nasal mucosa. We describe our experience with the paramedian forehead flap for reconstruction of nasal defects. METHODOLOGY: We performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients in whom a paramedian forehead flap was used to repair surgical defects of the nose between July 2004 and March 2011. We describe the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics, the surgical technique, complications, secondary procedures, and cosmetic results. RESULTS: The series comprised 41 patients with a mean (SD) age of 67 (10.36) years. The majority were men (male to female ratio, 2.4:1). Associated risk factors included diabetes in 27% of patients, cardiovascular risk factors in 49%, and smoking or drinking in 19.5%. The tissue defects were distal in 80% of cases and nonpenetrating in 78%. The mean (SD) diameter was 21.6 (6.78) mm. Early postoperative complications occurred in 14.6% of patients and late complications in 31.7% (trap door effect in 22% and hair transposition in 19%), with a need for Readjustment in a second operation was needed in 19.5% of patients. The cosmetic results were considered acceptable or excellent in 90.2% of cases. DISCUSSION: The paramedian forehead flap is versatile and provides skin of a similar color and texture to that of the external nose. It has a reliable vascular pedicle that guarantees the viability not only of the flap but also of other tissues that may be used in combination, such as chondromucosal or chondrocutaneous grafts. Revision of the technique in a second operation may sometimes be required to achieve an optimal result

Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula versus Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure as Primary Mode of Respiratory Support for Respiratory Distress in Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of preterm infants with respiratory distress initiated on either Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula or Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure as a primary mode of respiratory support. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care level III neonatal intensive care unit. PARTICIPANTS: 88 preterm infants between 28 to 34 weeks of gestation with mild to moderate respiratory distress within 6 hours of birth. INTERVENTION: Eligible infants were treated either with Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (n=46) or Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (n=42). PRIMARY OUTCOME: Need for mechanical ventilation within 72 hrs of initiating support. RESULTS: Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable between the two groups. There was no difference in the requirement of mechanical ventilation between Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (19.5%) and Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (26.2%) groups [RD-0.74 (95% CI 0.34-1.62; P =0.46)]. Moderate or severe nasal trauma occurred less frequently with Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (10.9%) in comparison to Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (40.5%) (P= 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula was comparable to Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure as a primary respiratory support for preterm infants with respiratory distress, with lesser incidence of nasal trauma.

Computational simulation of temperature and velocity distribution in human upper respiratory airway during inhalation of hot air.

The present study provides an accurate simulation of velocity and temperature distributions of inhalation thermal injury in a human upper airway, including vestibule, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, and upper part of main bronchus. To this end, a series of CT scan images, taken from an adult woman, was used to construct a three dimensional model. The airway walls temperature was adjusted according to existing in vivo temperature measurements. Also, in order to cover all breathing activities, five different breathing flow rates (10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 l/min) and different ambient air temperatures (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 °C) were studied. Different flow regimes, including laminar, transitional, and turbulence were considered and the simulations were validated using reliable experimental data. The results show that nostrils, vestibule, and nasal cavity are damaged more than other part of airway. Finally, In order to obtain the heat flux through the walls, correlations for Nusselt number for each individual parts of airway (vestibule, main upper airway, nasopharynx etc.,) are proposed.

Nonfatal Cervical-Neck Lesion With a Wooden Foreign Body: Diagnosis and Management.

Penetrating cervical lesions caused by a foreign body are rare events. The neck is a complex and delicate body region, given the important vascular structures it holds. The most frequent fatal complications often involve vascular injuries, and as a consequence, the mortality rate increases by approximately 50%. Civilian patients are mainly victims of violence or motor vehicle accidents and rural accidents involving neck are not very common. When a cervical lesion is because of a wooden foreign body, infectious risk increases for its organic peculiarity. The authors report a rural nonfatal cervical lesion in a civilian, and its management.

Button battery injuries in the pediatric aerodigestive tract.

Children with a button battery impaction present with nonspecific symptoms that may account for a delay in medical care. We conducted a retrospective study of the clinical presentation, management, and complications associated with button battery ingestion in the pediatric aerodigestive tract and to evaluate the associated long-term morbidity. We reviewed the medical records of 23 patients who were treated for button battery impaction at our tertiary care children's hospital from Jan. 1, 2000, through July 31, 2013. This population was made up of 14 boys and 9 girls, aged 7 days to 12 years (mean: 4 yr). Patients were divided into three groups based on the site of impaction; there were 9 impactions in the esophagus and 7 each in the nasal cavity and stomach. We compiled information on the type and size of each battery, the duration of the impaction, presenting symptoms, treatment, and outcomes. The mean duration of battery impaction was 40.6, 30.7, and 21.0 hours in the esophagus, nasal cavity, and stomach, respectively. We were able to identify the specific type of battery in 13 cases; 11 of these cases (85%) involved a 3-V 20-mm lithium ion battery, including all cases of esophageal impaction in which the type of battery was identified. The most common presenting signs and symptoms were vomiting (n = 7 [30%]), difficulty feeding (n = 5 [22%]), cough (n = 5), and bloody nasal discharge (n = 5); none of the presenting signs and symptoms predicted the severity of the injury or the outcome. The median length of hospital stay was far greater in the esophageal group (12 days) than in the nasal and stomach groups (1 day each; p = 0.006). Battery impaction in the esophagus for more than 15 hours was associated with a significantly longer postoperative hospital stay than impaction for less than 15 hours (p = 0.04). Esophageal complications included strictures (n = 5), perforation (n = 3), and tracheoesophageal fistula formation (n = 2). Clinicians should consider battery impaction in the upper aerodigestive tract as an emergency that can lead to significant long-term morbidity, and therefore immediate surgical intervention is required.

Symptoms associated with button batteries injuries in children: An epidemiological review.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an epidemiological framework of symptoms related to Foreign Body (FB) injuries due to Button Battery (BB). METHODS: Data on BB ingestion/inhalation have been obtained from the ButtonBatteryDB. The ButtonBatteryDB is a database collecting information on BB injuries in children (0-18 years of age). Data on 348 BB injures have been derived from the Registry of Foreign Body Injuries "Susy Safe" (269 cases) and from published scientific literature reporting case reports of FB injuries (79 cases). RESULTS: Most of injured children were male and BBs were found more often in the mouth/esophagus/stomach (ICD935) and in the nose (ICD932). Analyzing symptoms related to BB located in the esophagus/mouth/stomach, we found that children had higher probability of experiencing dysphagia (30.19%, 95% C.I. 17.83-42.55), fever and cough (26.42%, 95% C.I. 14.55-38.28), compared to the other symptoms. Referring to the probability that symptoms occurred simultaneously, fever and cough are more likely (3.72%, 95% C.I. 1.0-6-43) to jointly showing up in children with BB in mouth/esophagus/stomach (ICD935), followed by fever and dysphagia (2.66%, 95% C.I. 0.36-4.96) and by fever and irritability/crying, fever and drooling, dysphagia and irritability/crying (2.13% C.I. 0.00-4.19, 95% C.I.) CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide new insight in clinical presentation of BB injuries: the identification of unique patterns of symptoms related to BB injuries is useful to perform an early diagnosis (and to guarantee a prompt medical reaction), also when the injury is un-witnessed.