Pediatric rectal foreign body: Value of 3-D CT reconstruction

Abstract

Foreign bodies in the pediatric population are frequently seen in the nasal, aural and oral cavities, but are much less commonly reported in the rectum. While these cases are rarely reported in the literature, 8359 rectal foreign bodies were documented in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System in patients 0–25 years old between 2008 and 2017, with a significant up trend in reported frequency annually [1]. Rectal foreign bodies may result in grave complications such as bleeding, perforation, abscess, sepsis or death [2]. Despite its growing incidence and potentially morbid outcomes, there are few documented case reports in the existing literature and there is no established management guideline for evaluation and management of rectal foreign bodies in the pediatric population. In this case report and review of the literature, we present an unusual case of a radiolucent foreign object in the rectum of a 10 year old child, only visualized with 3D reconstruction on CT scan, and the steps taken towards its removal. Keywords: Rectal foreign body, Sharp rectal objects, Child abuse, Abdominal pain, Proctalgia, Hematochezia