Aspirated chicken bone

Case contributed by Derek Smith
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Acute onset dysphagia and odynophagia while eating a chicken dinner.

Patient Data

Age: 30
Gender: Female
x-ray

Short linear denisty in the soft tissues in front of the C5 vertebral body. This appears to be separate from the partly calcified cricoid cartilage. There is also minor swelling of the prevertebral soft tissues at this level.

Case Discussion

Radiologically this was suspected to be an impacted chicken bone resulting in the patient's acute swallowing difficulties. After transfer to the local ENT center. however there was no foreign body visible on direct inspection and the patient's symptoms were improving.

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