Gastric Perforation Secondary to Ingestion of a Sharp Foreign Body

Foreign body ingestions are commonly seen by pediatricians and emergency room personnel. The majority of foreign bodies transit through the gastrointestinal system without any complications. Perforations are uncommon and usually involve peritonitis. We present a case of gastric perforation secondary to ingestion of a sharp metallic pin. Our patient did not demonstrate any of the classic findings described in the literature. His complaints, physical examination, and radiological findings all pointed to acalculous cholecystitis or biliary dyskinesia as the source of pain. Laparoscopy, however, provided the definitive diagnosis. Gastroduodenal perforation secondary to foreign body ingestion should be included in the differential diagnosis of these atypical cases of abdominal pain, especially if such history can be elicited from the patient.