Clinical Pathways
Clinical Pathways
Magnet(s)
Magnet(s)

Magnet(s)

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Decision

Were multiple magnets ingested or co-ingested with other metallic objects?

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Yes → Consult for endoscopic removal within 12 hr, or surgery if intestinal (Class II)

Background

Magnets

When 2 or more magnets “find each other” and attract in the GI tract, they can cause loops of bowel to adhere together, leading to pressure necrosis and perforation. One case report suggested that even if they are endoscopically removed within just 8 hours of ingestion, ulceration to the GI mucosa can be observed. Additional complications seen can include small-bowel obstruction, volvulus, and fistula formation. While these cases are still relatively rare, their occurrence led the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission to ban the sale of rare-earth magnets to children aged <14 years.

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References
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