M Hook et al. JPGN 2025; DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.70221. Esophageal coin with moth eaten appearance: A cause for caution

This case report describes a penny ingestion by a 10 yo with autism that likely happened nine months before attempted retrieval. The coin was not able to be retrieved due to stricturing but was advanced into the stomach (the authors note advancement into duodenum would be better); in addition, there was an esophageal diverticulum that was identified likely secondary to the caustic damage.

In the discussion, the authors note that “the ‘moth eaten’ appearance is a rare finding that indicates prolonged foreign body retention and unforeseen mucosal injury…It is specific to post-1982 pennies, composed of 97.5% zinc.⁴ Hydrochloric acid exposure dissolves zinc, forming caustic zinc chloride.”

My take: Future generations will not see this radiologic finding. For now, if this finding is seen, it likely indicates a more difficult foreign body removal.

Related blog posts:

• Personal Quest Update: The Beginning of the End for the Penny & World Button Battery Day
• How Often Esophageal Coins Pass Into the Stomach
• Foreign Bodies in Children -Expert Guidance