Radiologic spectrum of foreign body introduction into the body among paediatric patients seen at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt

Abstract

Background: Foreign body ingestion in children is a common domestic accident and so vigilance cannot always prevent the introduction of foreign body into one of their natural orifices. Foreign body can be any object originating from outside and intruding through any of the body’s orifices. The aim of this research is to evaluate the radiologic spectrum of foreign body introduction into the body amongst paediatric patients.
Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted for the study from patients referred for radiologic investigation for suspected foreign body in the body from July 2020 to December 2020. The variables were collated, documented, and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) windows version 23.0 statistical software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL) and presented in tables, charts and graphs.
Results: Females constituted 47.46% (n=28) while males were 52.54% (n=31) with a female to male ratio of 1:1.127. Age range of participants was 10 months to 72 months, with a mean age of 38.66 + 15.84 months. Oral route was the most frequent route of introduction of foreign bodies into the body accounting for 74.58% (n = 44), with earrings (22.03%) been the most common materials followed by wedding rings 18.64% (n=11). Batteries, coins, rings, and keys were also ingested or inhaled.
Conclusion: Appropriate radiologic investigation is essential as radiology remains a veritable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of foreign body introduction into body through the body orifices.