Presentation
Patient admitted to hospital with reduced conscious state (on a background of chronic psychiatric disease). Eating lunch when collapsed in ward. Hypoxic with reduced air entry in the left lung on auscultation
Patient Data
White-out of the left lung due to bronchial collapse with food debris (arrows) in the trachea and obstructing the left main bronchus
Case Discussion
Bolus obstruction to the airway (by food) usually occurs at the level of the larynx and is often fatal. It tends to occur in the elderly or infirm with a history of poor dentition, neurological deficit, psychiatric illness including dementia, influence of depressant drugs or reduced conscious state. In this case food has passed beyond the vocal cords to enter the trachea and lodged in the left main bronchus causing complete lung collapse.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.