Un corps étranger bronchique négligé pendant 23 ans

Abstract

Foreign body inhalation is a clinical emergency requiring prompt action to ensure speedy recovery and minimize the development of complications. It is more common in children than adults. We report a case of a neglected foreign body present in the bronchus of an adult for 23years and treated as intermittent asthma. The diagnosis was revealed following the development of severe sepsis of a pulmonary origin. The foreign body was removed by rigid bronchoscopy, antibiotic therapy instituted and pre- and post-interventional respiratory physiotherapy carried out. Satisfactory progress was marked by the complete clearing of pulmonary suppuration, with only a small localized and asymptomatic focus of bronchial dilatation remaining. The persistence of chronic, unexplained respiratory complaints should prompt the use of imaging and endoscopy to exclude an endobronchial cause, especially to consider the possible presence of a previously unknown foreign body. Early diagnosis and intervention can help to avoid potentially serious complications.