An unusual presentation of retained foreign body in the hypopharynx in children : a case report

Abstract EN

Foreign body ingestion in children is a common problem but fortunately the majority of swallowed foreign bodies traverse the gastrointestinal tract without any adverse effects.

The majority of foreign body ingestion cases in children are diagnosed based on the history given by the parents followed by clinical and radiological examination.

Missing the diagnosis of foreign body ingestion can occur partly due to parent's unawareness or negligence, or due to incomplete examination by the attending physician.

The case which we are reporting represents an open metallic ring measuring 4 cm.

In its longest diameter and 2 cm in its transverse diameter was swallowed accidentally by an 18- month old toddler and was found to be situated in the hypopharynx above the cricopharyngeal sphincter in a very odd position causing an aerodigestive problems and recurrent upper and lower respiratory tract infections and he was diagnosed 18 months later following repeated hospital admissions. The hazards of aerodigestive foreign body impaction in children, complications, diagnostic difficulties, management and delayed removal outcomes are highlighted