Work

Unusual foreign body aspiration in a 4‐year‐old patient

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: We present a case of a 4-year-old male child presenting with sudden onset of respiratory distress after aspirating a thumbtack. Prompt diagnostic evaluation with x-ray confirmed the presence of a radiodense foreign body at the level of the epiglottis, and the full size of the object was not clear on imaging. Visualization and retrieval of the object using video laryngoscopy resulted in a favorable outcome. This case underscores the unique anatomy of pediatric airways as well as the importance of timely recognition and intervention in cases of foreign body aspiration in pediatric patients to prevent respiratory compromise and ensure optimal clinical outcomes.

Source: Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open

DOI: 10.1002/emp2.13284

Authors: Florian Merkle, Travis D. Olives, Svatava Merkle, Adam Rieves

Institutions: Hennepin County Medical Center, University of Minnesota, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Foreign Body Medical Cases

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,200