Esophageal Perforation with Delayed Detection of a Foreign Body: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Foreign body ingestion in adults is not uncommon in the emergency department. Careful history taking is a key element of correct diagnosis and physical examination should be followed by use of radiographic approaches. We report on a case of esophageal perforation related to the presence of a foreign body in the esophagus. After radiographic studies, the patient was diagnosed as an esophageal perforation. Through an endoscopic approach, we found that the cause of the perforation was a foreign body in the esophagus. Emergency physicians should understand various presentations of foreign bodies in the esophagus and make a proper decision regarding treatment.