Lead toxicity and endoscopic removal of ingested firearm cartridges

Abstract

Context. Lead toxicity from the ingestion of a lead foreign body has been described in several case reports. Management of ingested live ammunition presents its own challenges due to the risk of accidental discharge. A safe and effective method of retrieving a live cartridge must be considered. Case Details. We present two cases of lead toxicity due to intact firearm cartridge ingestion with the removal of the cartridges via endoscopy. The first case is of severe pediatric lead toxicity due to the ingestion of 30-mm rifle cartridges. The second case is an adult ingestion of .22 caliber cartridges resulting in mild lead toxicity. Discussion. These cases illustrate a diagnostic dilemma in both the diagnosis of lead toxicity and the removal of live ammunition from the stomach.

Keywords:

• Foreign bodies
• Dimercaprol
• Edetic acid
• Succimer
• Chelation therapy

Declarations of interest

The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.