Work

Hidden Esophageal Foreign Body Masquerading as Aberrant Innominate Artery in an Infant With Recurrent Stridor

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recurrent wheezing and stridor in infants are typically caused by airway abnormalities. However, esophageal foreign bodies, vascular anomalies, or mediastinal masses may also cause similar airway compression. CASE SUMMARY: A 13-month-old boy had months of recurrent wheezing and stridor. Chest radiography and flexible fiberoptic endoscopy were inconclusive. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed anterior tracheal compression, initially suspected to be an aberrant innominate artery. Closer review identified a plastic object within the esophagus. Endoscopic removal resolved the symptoms. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates how an esophageal foreign body can mimic vascular anomalies with tracheal compression and complicate diagnosis, especially when there is no clear ingestion history. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Clinicians should consider esophageal foreign bodies in infants with unexplained airway symptoms and use imaging to distinguish among potential causes.

Source: JACC Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2025.105855

Authors: Wei-Li Liu, Chen-Hao Wu, Teh-Ming Wang, Sheng-Ling Jan

Institutions: Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, National Chung Hsing University

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: $850