Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Image Acquisition using Portable Sonography for Emergency Airway Management
Published on: September 28, 2022
Hidden Esophageal Foreign Body Masquerading as Aberrant Innominate Artery in an Infant With Recurrent Stridor
Wei-Li Liu1, Chen-Hao Wu2, Teh-Ming Wang3
1Department of Pediatrics, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi County, Taiwan.
Insights
An infant
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Recurrent infant wheezing and stridor often suggest airway abnormalities.
- Esophageal foreign bodies can mimic these symptoms through airway compression.
Background:
Recurrent wheezing and stridor in infants are typically caused by airway abnormalities. However, esophageal foreign bodies, vascular anomalies, or mediastinal masses may also cause similar airway compression.
Case Summary:
A 13-month-old boy had months of recurrent wheezing and stridor. Chest radiography and flexible fiberoptic endoscopy were inconclusive. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed anterior tracheal compression, initially suspected to be an aberrant innominate artery. Closer review identified a plastic object within the esophagus. Endoscopic removal resolved the symptoms.
Discussion:
This case illustrates how an esophageal foreign body can mimic vascular anomalies with tracheal compression and complicate diagnosis, especially when there is no clear ingestion history.
Take-Home Message:
Clinicians should consider esophageal foreign bodies in infants with unexplained airway symptoms and use imaging to distinguish among potential causes.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...

