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Chronic esophageal foreign bodies and secondary mediastinitis in children

Stephanie Cole1, Donald Kearns, Anthony Magit

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|September 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Chronic esophageal foreign bodies in children can lead to mediastinitis, often presenting as respiratory issues. Early diagnosis and removal are crucial to prevent serious complications, with conservative management effective for mediastinal issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Chronic esophageal foreign bodies in children are rare but can lead to severe complications.
  • Mediastinitis is a life-threatening condition that can arise from a retained esophageal foreign body.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of chronic esophageal foreign bodies complicated by mediastinitis in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of pediatric patients with chronic esophageal foreign bodies and mediastinitis.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic methods (chest radiograph, CT scan), and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Three pediatric patients with retained esophageal foreign bodies (1-12 months) and mediastinitis were identified.
  • Patients primarily presented with respiratory symptoms and were initially misdiagnosed.
  • Diagnosis was confirmed via chest radiograph, with operative evaluation revealing tracheal narrowing.

Conclusions:

  • Esophageal and airway foreign bodies must be considered in pediatric patients with persistent respiratory symptoms unresponsive to treatment.
  • Delayed diagnosis of esophageal foreign bodies increases the risk of serious complications.
  • Conservative management of mediastinal complications following foreign body removal is supported in this series.
Abstract

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