[Foreign body aspiration in Kigali University Teaching Hospital, Rwanda]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Persistent respiratory symptoms in children can mimic common illnesses like tuberculosis.
• Delayed diagnosis of foreign body aspiration can lead to chronic lung disease.

Observation:

• A 12-year-old girl presented with chronic cough, fever, and hemoptysis, initially misdiagnosed as tuberculosis.
• Chest imaging revealed diffuse lung lesions and bronchiectasis.

Findings:

• Bronchoscopy identified a plastic foreign body in the left main bronchus, which was successfully removed.
• Post-removal, the patient's symptoms resolved rapidly with antibiotic therapy.

Implications:

• Foreign body inhalation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric respiratory conditions.
• Bronchoscopy is crucial for diagnosing and treating endobronchial foreign bodies.
• Collaborative efforts can enhance specialized medical services in resource-limited settings.