Button Magnets in the Nasal Cavity: A Pediatric Radiology Case of Septal Compression and Urgent Removal
A radiographic diagnosis with time-sensitive consequences Executive Answer Two small, disk-shaped metallic objects seen at the same level on opposite sides of the nasal septum in a child with epistaxis and severe nasal pain should raise immediate concern for paired magnets. When magnets attract across the septum, sustained pressure can injure the mucosa and perichondrium, leading to cartilage exposure, necrosis, and septal perforation. This is an urgent otolaryngologic problem: prompt removal and careful assessment of septal injury are essential. Clinical Scenario An 11-year-old boy presented to the emergency department approximately six hours after inserting button magnets into both nostrils. He was unable to remove them and reported severe nasal pain and epistaxis. Nasal examination showed mucus and crusted blood. Facial radiographs demonstrated two disk-shaped foreign bodies at the same level, positioned across the nasal septum. The initial emergency department removal attempt...