Foreign body aspiration

Case contributed by Tariq Walizai
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Suddenly developed SOB while playing with kids.

Patient Data

Age: 10 years
Gender: Male
ct

There is a tubular, hyperdense structure in the lumen of the left main bronchus which is causing almost complete obliteration of the bronchial lumen and resulting in complete collapse of the left lung parenchyma.

The mediastinum is shifted towards the left side is noted.

The right lung is compensatory hyperinflated.

Case Discussion

CT features along the clinical presentation are most likely suggestive of a foreign body with resultant left-sided, hemithorax white-out as described.

Bronchoscopy confirmed the aspiration of the cap of the pen.

Foreign body aspiration is common in the pediatric group and can present with sudden onset respiratory signs and symptoms.

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