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Bronchial Compression and Tracheosophageal Fistula Secondary to Prolonged Esophageal Foreign Body
Bryan J Liming1, Anthony Fischer2, Graeme Pitcher3
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, Iowa, USA bryan-liming@uiowa.edu.
Insights
Foreign body ingestion in children can lead to serious complications like bronchial compression. High suspicion is crucial for diagnosing prolonged foreign body retention, especially in those with neurodevelopmental delays.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Foreign body ingestion is a frequent pediatric concern.
- Delayed presentation of ingested foreign bodies can occur.
- This case highlights complications from a longstanding esophageal foreign body.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old female presented with unusual symptoms.
- The patient had a history of a longstanding esophageal foreign body.
- This led to bronchial compression and an acquired tracheoesophageal fistula.
Findings:
- Prolonged retention of esophageal foreign bodies presents diagnostic and management challenges.
- Unusual symptoms in children with neurodevelopmental delays warrant high suspicion for foreign bodies.
- This case underscores the potential for severe, delayed complications.
Implications:
- Increased awareness among healthcare providers is essential for timely diagnosis.
- Early recognition can prevent severe morbidity associated with esophageal foreign bodies.
- Consideration of foreign bodies in atypical presentations is vital for pediatric care.
Introduction:
Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric problem that can have a delayed presentation, as presented herein.
Case Report:
We present the case of a 15-year-old female who developed bronchial compression and an acquired tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to a longstanding esophageal foreign body.
Discussion:
There are several challenges in diagnosis and management of this unusual situation. We review the literature regarding prolonged retention of foreign bodies and the challenges in diagnosis in the developmentally disabled child.
Conclusion:
Providers must have a high suspicion for foreign bodies in the case of unusual symptoms present in children with neurodevelopmental delays.
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