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Published on: September 11, 2018

Spontaneous expulsion of a sharp foreign body

Syed M Tariq1, Laura Succony, Randhir S Bhatia

  • 1The Respiratory Unit, Luton & Dunstable Hospital, Luton, UK. doc_smt@hotmail.com

Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology
|December 5, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Foreign body aspiration in children is common. A 14-year-old girl successfully coughed out a scarf pin after initial bronchoscopy attempts, avoiding further procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Foreign body aspiration is a significant cause of accidental injury and death in young children.
  • Bronchoscopic retrieval is the standard treatment for inhaled foreign bodies.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old female presented with a foreign body (scarf pin) in her airway.
  • Initial flexible bronchoscopy partially advanced the pin but it was reaspirated into the lower trachea.

Findings:

  • Despite initial challenges and planned rigid bronchoscopy, the patient spontaneously expectorated the foreign body.
  • This case highlights an unusual resolution of a potentially dangerous airway obstruction.

Implications:

  • While bronchoscopy is effective, spontaneous resolution can occur, potentially avoiding invasive procedures.
  • This case underscores the importance of patient monitoring and the possibility of unexpected outcomes in airway foreign body management.

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