One of the potentially devastating complications of a disk battery ingestion is the development of an aortoesophageal fistula.
Patient selection: ingestion of a disk (button) battery
Risk factors:
(1) battery located in the esophagus at the level of the aortic arch
(2) negative pole of battery against the posterior wall of the esophagus
(3) removal of the battery more than 2 hours after it was ingested
(4) age of the patient less than 6 years
(5) battery diameter >= 12 mm
The onset may be delayed for weeks after the battery is removed, reflecting the progression of tissue necrosis following the exposure.
The patient presents with bright red hematemesis and can rapidly exsanguinate if the defect is large enough.
