Related Experiment Videos
Unsuspected esophageal foreign bodies
Journal of the Canadian Association of Radiologists
|March 1, 1981
Summary
Unsuspected esophageal foreign bodies in children often cause wheezing and swallowing difficulties, mimicking respiratory infections. Early radiography is crucial for diagnosis and preventing prolonged illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Esophageal foreign bodies in children can present with subtle symptoms.
- Symptoms like wheezing and dysphagia are often misdiagnosed as respiratory infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges of unsuspected esophageal foreign bodies in pediatric patients.
- To emphasize the importance of considering foreign bodies in the differential diagnosis of pediatric respiratory and swallowing symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of ten pediatric cases with unsuspected esophageal foreign bodies.
- Analysis of presenting symptoms, including wheezing and dysphagia.
- Review of diagnostic imaging modalities used, such as radiography and barium studies.
Main Results:
- All ten children presented with wheezing or difficulty swallowing solid food.
- In four cases, symptoms were initially attributed to respiratory infections.
- All foreign bodies were located in the upper esophagus.
Conclusions:
- Unsuspected esophageal foreign bodies can lead to significant and prolonged morbidity in children.
- Radiography of the neck and chest, sometimes with barium studies, is effective in identifying these foreign bodies.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for esophageal foreign bodies in children with unexplained respiratory or swallowing issues.