07 January 2020 : Case report
Distal Airway Aspirated Metallic Foreign Body, Case Report of Spontaneous Expectoration
Unusual clinical course
Jamila Al Maary1ABEF*, Ahmed Saud Alahmari2BEFDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.917608
Am J Case Rep 2020; 21:e917608
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Foreign body aspiration is one of the life-threatening conditions seen in the adult and pediatric population with most cases occurring within the first 3 years of life. It can result in serious complications or even lead to death. Bronchoscopic removal has been described as the management of choice. Spontaneous expectoration could happen, though it is extremely rare.
CASE REPORT: A 7-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department within 3 hours of aspirating a metallic nail. He had a brief choking episode at the beginning and remained asymptomatic thereafter. The initial chest x-ray showed a metallic foreign body (nail) at the retrocardiac area with patent centralized tracheobronchial tree. No radiologic signs of pneumothorax nor pleural or pericardial effusion. Computed tomography (CT) scan was performed the night of admission and revealed a 2 cm nail at the posterior basal segment of the left lower lobe bronchus. Bronchoscopy, thoracoscopic-removal, and possible thoracotomy were discussed. Management options and complications were explained. The parents preferred to wait and observe before making any decision regarding surgical intervention. Surprisingly, while in the hospital, the patient had repetitive cough and the nail was spontaneously expectorated.
CONCLUSIONS: Urgent bronchoscopy for foreign body aspiration is mandatory as early as possible, however, expectant management in asymptomatic distal airway foreign body aspiration is reasonable. Spontaneous expectoration is a possible outcome though extremely rare.
Keywords: Foreign Bodies, Pediatrics, Thoracic Surgery, Bronchi, Child, Cough, Remission, Spontaneous, Respiratory Aspiration
In Press
18 Mar 2024 : Case report
Perineal Benign Symmetric Lipomatosis in a Female Patient: A Case ReportAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943803
18 Mar 2024 : Case report
Successful Endovascular Microembolization for Post-Traumatic High-Flow Priapism: A Case ReportAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943467
19 Mar 2024 : Case report
Jejunal Diverticulosis Causing Small Intestinal Volvulus and Closed Loop ObstructionAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943376
19 Mar 2024 : Case report
Excimer Laser Therapy for Pigmented Purpuric Dermatosis: A Case StudyAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942853
Most Viewed Current Articles
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
Neurocysticercosis Presenting as Migraine in the United StatesDOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
10 Jan 2022 : Case report
A Report on the First 7 Sequential Patients Treated Within the C-Reactive Protein Apheresis in COVID (CACOV...DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935263
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935263
19 Jul 2022 : Case report
Atlantoaxial Subluxation Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Orthopedic Complication from COVID-19DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936128
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936128
23 Feb 2022 : Case report
Penile Necrosis Associated with Local Intravenous Injection of CocaineDOI :10.12659/AJCR.935250
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935250