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Retropharyngeal abscess in a young child due to ingestion of eel vertebrae

Kam Lun Hon1, Winnie C Chu, John K K Sung

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. ehon@cuhk.edu.hk

Pediatric Emergency Care
|June 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A 14-month-old boy’s fever and refusal to eat were linked to ingesting eel vertebrae, highlighting the need for vigilance in young children. Educating parents on food risks is crucial to prevent foreign body ingestion.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric emergency.
  • Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for favorable outcomes.
  • The piriform fossa is a frequent site for ingested foreign bodies.

Observation:

  • A 14-month-old boy presented with fever, anorexia, and a history of choking.
  • Symptoms began after consuming congee with minced fish meat.
  • Physical examination revealed signs suggestive of foreign body impaction.

Findings:

  • Two eel vertebrae were successfully retrieved from the piriform fossa.
  • The foreign bodies were identified as the cause of the patient's symptoms.
  • Radiological imaging may aid in diagnosis but is not always definitive.

Implications:

  • A high index of suspicion and thorough history taking are vital for diagnosing foreign body ingestion in young children.
  • Physicians should inquire about choking episodes and dietary history in febrile infants.
  • Public health education for parents regarding the risks of feeding bone-containing foods to infants and young children is essential to prevent serious complications.

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