Welcome to this month’s What’s Your Diagnosis Challenge!
But before we begin, check to see if you got the previous case on Diagnosis and Management of Blast Injuries in the Emergency Department correct.
Case Presentation: Emergency Department Management of Gastrointestinal Foreign Body Ingestion
A 42-year-old woman presents with discomfort after eating fish…
- The patient states that the sensation of a foreign body in the mid-chest, just above the epigastric region began 2 hours ago while eating pan-seared halibut at a local seafood restaurant. She suspects a potential fish bone ingestion.
- Chest and abdominal radiographs were obtained, and the radiologist’s impression is “no acute abnormality or foreign body identified.”
- The patient continues to have some moderate discomfort when swallowing, but is able to drink juice and hold down crackers and a turkey sandwich in the ED.
- You wonder whether the patient can be discharged with expectant management or if further testing is needed…
Make your best guess, and check back next month to find out the correct answer!
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