Radiopaque foreign body inhalations

The most frequent cause of accidental household death in children under 6 years of age is inhalation of a foreign body. Delayed management is blamed for death. The absence of a recognizable penetration syndrome complicates and delays not only the diagnosis but also the treatment of foreign body inhalation.

This report aimed to highlight the problem of radiopaque foreign body inhalation and analyze part of our experience in the treatment of such cases.

A multicenter experience in the management of radiopaque inhaled foreign bodies in 3 centers in Egypt and Saudi Arabia was reviewed retrospectively, including old and new techniques to remove the foreign body. The study included data from 136 cases.

The majority of patients were female (91.17%). The mean age was 12 years. More than one-third of the inhaled foreign bodies were found on the left side. A positive history of chocking was reported in more than 95%. Almost 87% presented in the first 24 h after inhalation.

Early rigid bronchoscopic extraction of inhaled radiopaque foreign bodies can be achieved with acceptable results. Video-assisted bronchoscopic removal of an inhaled foreign body may be safer.