ESOPHAGEAL FOREIGN BODY IN A CHILD WITH CEREBRAL PALSY: A CASE REPORT

Esophageal foreign bodies are a common pediatric emergency, especially in children with neurological or psychomotor impairments. We report the case of a 6-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who presented with dysphagia for three days, without dyspnea or dysphonia. Nasofibroscopy revealed salivary stasis, and a cervicothoracic X-ray showed a metallic object resembling a button battery located at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. Panendoscopic exploration identified a watch-like foreign body impacted in the upper esophageal sphincter (Killians mouth). The extraction was performed carefully under general anesthesia, without intraoperative complications. Post-extraction endoscopic evaluation showed no mucosal necrosis or esophageal perforation. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and cautious management of esophageal foreign bodies, particularly in neurologically impaired children.