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Chronic inspiratory stridor secondary to a retained penetrating radiolucent esophageal foreign body

Timothy W Haegen1, Henry A Wojtczak, Sandra S Tomita

  • 1Division of Otolarygology-Head and Neck Surgery, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA 92134-2000, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|February 22, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Esophageal penetration from foreign body ingestion is rare in children. Diagnosis can be challenging due to subtle symptoms and radiolucent objects, as seen in a case of inspiratory stridor.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Foreign body ingestion is common in pediatric populations.
  • Esophageal perforation is a rare but serious complication.
  • Diagnosis is often delayed by non-specific symptoms and radiolucent nature of ingested items.

Observation:

  • A 17-month-old female presented with a 6-month history of inspiratory stridor.
  • Initial clinical presentation lacked classic signs of esophageal foreign body.
  • Extensive diagnostic workup was required.

Findings:

  • A penetrating radiolucent foreign body was identified.
  • The foreign body was located at the thoracic inlet.
  • This finding explained the chronic inspiratory stridor.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering esophageal foreign bodies in pediatric stridor, even with atypical presentations.
  • Emphasizes the diagnostic challenges posed by radiolucent foreign bodies.
  • Underscores the need for thorough investigation in persistent pediatric respiratory symptoms.

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