Aluminium ring pulls: an invisible foreign body

J Accid Emerg Med. 1994 Sep;11(3):201-3. doi: 10.1136/emj.11.3.201.

Abstract

The aluminium ring pulls associated with the latest designs of drinks cans can be relatively easily detached from their mounting on the top of the can and subsequently aspirated. Their small size predisposes them to lodge as foreign bodies (FBs) in the throat. The similarity of atomic number between soft tissue (7.5) and aluminium (13) makes detection of these FBs difficult on soft tissue radiography. If aspiration is suspected direct visualization and removal may be indicated even if radiography is negative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aluminum*
  • Beverages
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pharynx / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Aluminum