Migratory Foreign Body Presenting with Thyroid Abscess

Abstract

Introduction The most common complication following accidental ingestion of a foreign body is entrapment in the upper digestive tract. Spontaneous penetration of a foreign body through the upper digestive tract and migration into the soft tissues of the neck is very uncommon. Consequences from such migratory foreign body can be serious and potentially fatal. Case Report Thirty six years old female presented with history of accidental ingestion of an unknown foreign body 3 days back. Clinical examination, plain radiography, hypopharyngoscopy and oesophagoscopy failed to find out the foreign body. Thereafter the patient developed thyroid abscess which was confirmed by computed tomography. Surprisingly we discovered the foreign body during surgical exploration of neck. Conclusion In a case of accidental ingestion of foreign body, even if initial evaluation with endoscopy and plain radiography are negative, the patient should be followed closely until resolution of symptoms. A high index of suspicion of migration of foreign body should be maintained. Retrieval of migratory foreign body needs surgical expertise and experience.