Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
09:22
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
Published on: November 4, 2015
[A rare cause of hemoptysis]
S Chouabe1, P E Schwartzbrod, J P Gamondes
1Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Maison Blanche, CHU de Reims.
Revue De Pneumologie Clinique
|June 15, 1999
Summary
A rare bronchial foreign body, like a bone fragment, can cause significant lung bleeding (hemoptysis) and is often missed. Surgical removal is crucial for recovery from such chronic airway obstructions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Bronchial foreign bodies are uncommon causes of hemoptysis, often presenting with delayed or atypical symptoms.
- Undiagnosed foreign bodies can lead to serious complications including infection, atelectasis, and bronchiectasis.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old woman presented with recurrent hemoptysis and radiographic evidence of interstitial lung disease in the right upper lobe.
- Surgical resection revealed an old bronchial foreign body, a piece of bone, as the cause of chronic intra-alveolar bleeding.
Findings:
- The case highlights that bronchial foreign bodies, even old ones, can manifest as hemoptysis and radiographic abnormalities.
- Histopathological distinctions between foreign bodies, broncholithiasis, and lung tumors can be challenging, complicating diagnosis.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis and extraction of bronchial foreign bodies, via endoscopy or surgery, are essential for patient recovery.
- This case underscores the importance of considering foreign body aspiration in the differential diagnosis of hemoptysis and lung abnormalities, even in adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:24Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Esophageal varices are dilated, tortuous veins which are found mainly in the submucosa of the lower esophagus but which may also appear higher up or extend into the stomach. They develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous system, often as a result of liver cirrhosis. This condition scars and damages the liver, impeding normal blood flow through the portal vein. To compensate, blood seeks alternative pathways, forming fragile new vessels (varices) in the esophagus and stomach. These...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...