Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography for the Safe Management of Esophageal Foreign Body

Foreign body ingestion is a common pediatric emergency, with esophageal impaction requiring prompt evaluation and management. This case presents a school-aged female patient who ingested a hard candy that became lodged in her esophagus. Despite the absence of respiratory distress, there was uncertainty about the exact location due to the radiolucent nature of the foreign body. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) was performed after conventional radiographs proved non-diagnostic. The 3D-CT images clearly demonstrated the exact location of the candy in the upper esophagus, confirmed airway patency, and revealed its size (18×15×8 mm) and orientation. This detailed visualization guided the endoscopic extraction procedure. The foreign body was successfully removed without complications. This case highlights the value of 3D-CT in providing critical anatomical information for pediatric foreign body management, particularly when conventional imaging is inconclusive and precise localization is essential for safe intervention. While conventional radiography remains the first-line imaging modality, 3D-CT can provide valuable additional information in selected cases, particularly for radiolucent objects.