Bronchial foreign body

Case contributed by Tariq Walizai
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Multiple lower respiratory infections over a 6-month period, which responded poorly to treatment.

Patient Data

Age: 1 year
Gender: Female

Day 1

x-ray

Left lung atelectasis with marked ipsilateral mediastinal shift.

6 months later

x-ray

The left lung is hyper-expanded and hypertransradiant.

Retrocardiac opacity in the left lower lobe.

ct

There is a presumed foreign body in the left main bronchus with almost complete luminal obliteration.

The left lung is hyperinflated and herniates into the right hemithorax.

Focal consolidation with air-bronchograms in the medial basal segment of the left lower lobe.

Case Discussion

CT findings are consistent with inhaled foreign body in the left main bronchus. Airway obstruction can present with atelectasis, hyperinflation and recurrent infection, as in this case.

The bronchoscopic findings and follow-up are not available.

Co-contributor: Dr. Anwar-ul-haq Zadran.

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