Plain films in the evaluation of batteries as esophageal foreign bodies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of plain films in differentiating coin batteries from coins.

SETTING: Study was conducted at a tertiary referral university medical center.

METHODS: Eleven radiographs were taken of various objects and independently reviewed by 14 radiologists and otolaryngologists. Reviewers were asked to identify the object filmed as either a battery or not a battery. In addition, otolaryngologists were asked if they would immediately proceed to the operative suite for removal based on the film. Results were tabulated and analyzed using a spreadsheet.

RESULTS: Overall, plain films had a sensitivity and specificity of 80.4% and 79.1%, respectively with an overall accuracy of 79.8%. When used as a test to determine urgency of removal, sensitivity increases to 94.4% while specificity decreases to 67.1% with an overall accuracy of 83.1%.

CONCLUSIONS: Plain films are an effective method of evaluating for the possibility of batteries as esophageal foreign bodies.