Toothpick perforation of the intestine diagnosed by a small bowel series
Guber, M.D.; Suarez, C.A.; Greve, J.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 91(4): 789-791
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 8677952 Document Number: 468440
We report the case of a 50-yr-old man who unknowingly swallowed a double-pointed toothpick that ultimately perforated the distal small bowel over a period of several weeks. Appendicitis and ileitis were sequentially considered as diagnosis. A foreign body was diagnosed on a second small bowel series and removed. It has been noted that, because toothpicks are not radiopaque, radiographic studies are not useful in the diagnostic workup. In the case reported, the toothpick was seen on the contrast radiograph of the small bowel and the correct diagnosis ultimately made.