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Uncommon torticollis in children
Summary
An uncommon cause of pediatric torticollis was identified: a pencil cap lodged in the neck. This foreign body perforated the pharynx, leading to delayed diagnosis during cancer screening.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Foreign Body Ingestion/Aspiration
Background:
- Torticollis in children can stem from various causes, including trauma.
- Foreign bodies in the pharynx are a potential, though less common, etiology.
Observation:
- A case of pediatric torticollis is presented, ultimately linked to a retained pencil cap.
- The foreign body was discovered two months post-trauma during an unrelated oro-pharyngeal cancer screening.
Findings:
- The pencil cap perforated the posterior pharyngeal wall.
- Crucially, the foreign body did not injure the cervical spine or major vascular structures.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering unusual foreign bodies in pediatric torticollis differential diagnoses.
- Underscores the potential for delayed diagnosis of foreign body injuries.
- Emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation in cases of persistent neck pain or stiffness in children.