Inadvertent ingestion of wire bristles from a grill cleaning brush: radiologic detection of unsuspected foreign bodies

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2012 Apr;198(4):836-9. doi: 10.2214/AJR.11.6991.

Abstract

Objective: We report acute onset of either odynophagia or abdominal pain immediately after ingestion of grilled meat in six patients presenting between May 1, 2009, and November 18, 2010. In all six patients, radiologic studies revealed a linear metallic foreign body. Careful history revealed cleaning of the grill with a metallic brush immediately before cooking in all six cases.

Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of this potential hazard to facilitate accurate and timely diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Abdominal Pain / surgery
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Deglutition
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Household Articles
  • Humans
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Male
  • Metals*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Metals