[A bronchial polyp and foreign body in an adolescent]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
• Foreign Body Aspiration

Background:

• Recurrent pneumonia presents a diagnostic challenge in adolescents.
• Foreign body aspiration can lead to chronic respiratory issues.
• Bronchial polyps may arise secondary to chronic irritation.

Observation:

• A 15-year-old male experienced recurrent pneumonia over two years.
• Bronchoscopy identified a polyp in the right inferior lobar bronchus.
• A foreign body, identified as a Tribulus terrestris fruit thorn, was lodged in the posterobasal segmental bronchus.

Findings:

• Both the polyp and foreign body were successfully removed via rigid ventilatory bronchoscopy.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the polyp to be granulomatous tissue.
• The bronchial polyp is presumed to have developed secondary to the embedded fruit thorn.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering foreign body aspiration in recurrent pneumonia.
• Prompt bronchoscopic intervention can resolve airway obstruction and prevent further complications.
• Understanding the etiology of bronchial polyps can inform clinical management in pediatric patients.