P2425 - Lost and Found: A Unique Foreign Body Gastrointestinal Case Report

Catherine Loehr, MD¹, Salim C.. Lutfallah, BS², Hunter Hall, MD¹, Lara Boudreaux, MD¹, Stephen Landreneau, MD^1
1LSU, New Orleans, LA; ²LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Metairie, LA

Introduction: Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies frequently occurs, with the majority (80-90%) of cases passing naturally through the gastrointestinal tract. Yet, in rare cases, the ingested item may become lodged at an angulation or constriction site, leading to potential complications such as impaction, perforation, or obstruction. Surprisingly, some ingested foreign bodies may lie dormant, evading detection for days to years.

Case Description/Methods: A 65-year-old female, with a medical history notable for dysphagia due to myasthenia gravis and chronic BC powder use, presented to gastrointestinal clinic for evaluation of unintentional weight loss spanning several months, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease, and anemia. She reported experiencing loose stool, fecal incontinence, nocturnal symptoms, and bloating. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed, significant only for gastritis. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed diverticulosis throughout the colon and a foreign body consistent with an earring was seen at the appendiceal orifice. The earring was removed successfully using standard forceps.

Discussion: Foreign bodies in the appendix are exceedingly rare and tend to be retained. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an earring lodged in the appendiceal orifice, presenting with delayed symptoms yet adequately recognized and effectively managed through laparoscopic intervention. Our case highlights a unique clinical scenario wherein an unusual foreign body remained dormant for an unknown period of time. This case potentially provides insights into both diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with foreign bodies within the appendix.



Disclosures:


Catherine Loehr, MD¹, Salim C.. Lutfallah, BS², Hunter Hall, MD¹, Lara Boudreaux, MD¹, Stephen Landreneau, MD¹. P2425 - Lost and Found: A Unique Foreign Body Gastrointestinal Case Report, ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Gastroenterology.