Plastic foreign body in the pharynx can evade detection by computed tomography

Abstract

Foreign body ingestion in trachea is a common occurrence in children. However, pharyngeal foreign bodies are rare. Unlike the trachea, the lumen of the pharynx is not kept patent by tracheal cartilage. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish the lumen of the pharynx from the surrounding tissues. In addition, tracheal foreign bodies are photographed in the lung window, so radiolucent objects may be seen, but the pharynx in the mediastinal window may sometimes appear to be invisible. If a pharyngeal foreign body is suspected, then it is important to obtain a CT scan of the neck and to also obtain a lung window image. However, the most important thing is not to rely on CT alone, but to also use endoscopy when necessary.