(Left) Barium esophagram shows complete obstruction of the esophageal lumen and a filling defect representing an incompletely chewed piece of meat. Following removal, a Schatzki ring was found.
(Right) This 1-year-old child swallowed a watch battery , which is lodged in the cervical esophagus. Note the smooth outer contour that distinguishes it from the serrated surface of a coin. The coin was removed, but resulted in a persistent stricture of the esophagus.
(Left) Esophagram demonstrates the outline of a plastic comb impacted in the distal esophagus and extending into the stomach. On first impression, this might be misinterpreted as an esophageal stent that had been placed across an obstructing esophageal lesion.
(Right) Oblique esophagram following endoscopic removal of a foreign body shows extravasation of contrast medium and free air within the abdomen . Surgical repair was required.
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
• Esophageal foreign body (FB)
Definitions
• Ingested FB impacted within esophagus
IMAGING
General Features
• Best diagnostic clue
History of ingestion followed by dysphagia or odynophagia
• Location
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representing an incompletely chewed piece of meat. Following removal, a Schatzki ring was found.
, which is lodged in the cervical esophagus. Note the smooth outer contour that distinguishes it from the serrated surface of a coin. The coin was removed, but resulted in a persistent stricture of the esophagus.
and free air within the abdomen 
. Surgical repair was required.
