Abstract
Background
Press-through packs (PTPs) are widely used for storing drugs. The number of cases
involving improper swallowing and esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) has increased with
the increasing use of PTPs. Studies have reported the utility of point-of-care ultrasound
(POCUS) for evaluating EFBs. The application of POCUS for esophageal PTPs has not
been reported.
Case Report
An 83-year-old woman complaining of neck pain and odynophagia that occurred after
improperly swallowing 2 PTPs was admitted to the emergency department. EFBs were suspected,
and POCUS revealed a hyperechoic material, suggestive of a PTP, in the cervical esophagus.
Endoscopy was immediately performed, and the PTPs were successfully removed without
complications.
Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?
This study was significant because it documented the application of POCUS to detect
esophageal PTPs. POCUS is a simple and noninvasive technique for identifying EFBs
without radiation exposure. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 05, 2022
Accepted:
April 25,
2022
Received:
March 21,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
