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[Severe respiratory distress caused by dental foreign object]
K Muro1, K Yanagihara, M Kurata
1Department of Surgery, Kyoto Hakuaikai Hospital, Japan.
Summary
A lodged dental crown caused severe respiratory failure in a bedridden patient. Prompt bronchoscopic removal was crucial for recovery, highlighting the need for dental care to prevent such foreign body aspirations.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Gastroenterology
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Elderly and bedridden patients are at increased risk for foreign body aspiration.
- Dental foreign bodies, such as crowns, can cause significant airway obstruction and respiratory distress.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old bedridden male presented with sudden dyspnea and cyanosis.
- Chest X-ray revealed a foreign object in the left lung hilum.
- Bronchoscopy identified a dental crown lodged in the carina, causing severe respiratory failure.
Findings:
- Initial bronchoscopy failed to remove the dental crown.
- A second bronchoscopy successfully removed the foreign object using basket-type forceps.
- Respiratory failure was attributed to atelectasis and overinflation secondary to bronchial edema.
Implications:
- Timely and accurate foreign body identification and removal are critical for patient outcomes.
- Preventive dental care, especially for caries and loose teeth, is essential in at-risk populations.
- Dental foreign bodies require careful management due to potential for airway complications.