Tracheobronchial Aspiration Research Articles

Tracheo-Bronchial Foreign Body Aspiration in Children: A One Year Descriptive Study

The aim of this work was to study the clinical presentation of tracheo-bronchial foreign body aspiration in children for its early diagnosis. This article attempts to address the potential hazards of foreign body inhalation in children and its subsequent management by rigid bronchoscopy. This study was conducted in Department of Otorhinolaryngology, K.L.E.S Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital, Belgaum, for a period of 1year. Children less than 16years of age with history suggestive or suspicious of foreign body aspiration were screened clinically and radiologically and those patients with high index of suspicion of foreign body were included in the study. All patients were subjected to rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia and the results were analyzed. This study comprises of 29 patients with suspected foreign body aspiration. On rigid bronchoscopy, foreign body was found and successfully removed in 22 patients. Highest incidence was seen in boys between 1 and 2years age. History of foreign body aspiration was absent in most cases and children presented with combination of symptoms. Obstructive emphysema was commonest chest X-ray finding. There was no significant difference in the site of foreign body aspiration on the right and left bronchus and commonest foreign bodies were vegetative type. Complication rates in this study were low as compared to previous studies. Tracheo-bronchial foreign body aspiration is very common in children. Foreign body aspiration usually presents as an un-witnessed episode and a high index of suspicion by the surgeon, even in absence of a positive history is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality due to delayed or misdiagnosis. Foreign body aspiration is an emergency and should be removed by rigid bronchoscopy at the earliest to prevent complications.

Tracheo-Bronchial Foreign Bodies: A Retrospective Study and Review of Literature

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a common emergency in childhood constituting major cause of mortality. Although ample studies regarding airway foreign bodies are present in western literature, studies in Indian context are however lacking. The aim of the study is to present an epidemiological data regarding airway foreign bodies in Indian context thereby helping to analyze the situation with regard to our socio-economic condition. Retrospective file review of all case (n=82) that underwent rigid bronchoscopy for suspected tracheo-bronchial foreign body over a period of 7years (2001-2008) in the department of otolaryngology of a tertiary care centre of eastern India. Patient characteristics, history, clinical, radiographic and bronchoscopic findings were noted in an attempt to define the epidemiology, clinical presentation, management and associated morbidity. Most common age of presentation was between 1 and 3years (56.4%). Most common symptom in our study was Cough, wheezing and respiratory distress (63.4%). Most common clinical signs at presentation were diminished breath sound in unilateral lung field seen in 36.6% cases. Most common radiological finding on chest radiograph was collapse seen in 41.65% cases. Most common type of foreign body below 3years of age was food material (seeds, beans) removed in 48.78%. Complications were encountered in 14.6% cases of which most common complication was bronchospasm and acute respiratory distress seen in 41.6% cases.

Management of tracheobronchial foreign bodies: a retrospective and prospective study.

(1) To study the presenting complaints or complaints suggestive of foreign bodies in the tracheobronchial tract. (2) To study the clinical findings. (3) To study the correlation between clinical and radiological findings. (4) To study different types of foreign bodies. (5) To study the complications caused by foreign bodies. A total of 115 patients presenting with foreign body aspiration in the tracheobronchial tract were included in the study. Patient characteristics, history, clinical, radiographic and bronchoscopic findings were noted. Foreign bodies in trachea and bronchus were removed by rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia. Jackson rigid bronchoscope with a fibre optic light source and venturi technique anaesthesia was used. In the present study, foreign body aspiration was found to be maximum in the 1-3year old age group. The average time lapse between aspiration of symptoms and presentation was found to be 1-3days. Positive history was given in only 68% cases. Cough and breathlessness were the most common presenting symptoms. The commonest clinical signs were decreased chest movement and air entry on the affected side. Collapse of the affected side was the most common radiological finding. The commonest site of impaction was the right main bronchus. Majority of the foreign bodies were vegetative, peanut being the most common. The commonest complication following foreign body aspiration was atelectasis of the affected lung. Successful removal of foreign bodies was possible in all the patients. In paediatric respiratory compromise, the presence of unilateral diminished breath sounds, a pathological chest X-ray and a clinical triad of cough, choking and wheezing, is a powerful indicator of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration. Since no single or combined variables can predict foreign body aspiration with full certainty, bronchoscopic exploration must be performed if tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is suspected.

Removal of Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies via Suspension Laryngoscope and Hopkins Telescope in Infants

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a life-threatening accident in infants, and is still a formidable clinical emergency to both otorhinolaryngologists and anesthesiologists. In this study, we attempted to assess the safety and ease of tracheobronchial foreign body removal in infants via suspension laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. The retrospective clinical study from 2006 to 2010 included 50 infants with foreign body aspiration, of whom 35 underwent suspension laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy and the other 15 underwent rigid bronchoscopy. All of the procedures were under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. All of the patients underwent temporary extubation. The foreign body was successfully removed in 46 cases and was not found in the other 4 cases. The mean operation time in the rigid bronchoscopy group was 13.20+/-9.01 minutes, and that in the Hopkins telescopy group was 5.79+/-3.54 minutes. The oxygen saturation level was below 90% in 17 cases, of which 7 were in the rigid bronchoscopy group and 10 were in the Hopkins telescopy group. The vital signs, including the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in expiratory gas and the heart rate, were stable in all cases. Foreign body removal in infants via suspension laryngoscopy and Hopkins telescopy under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation should be promoted, since it is relatively safe and easy for both anesthesiologists and otorhinolaryngologists to perform and has a remarkable success rate.

Aspiration pneumonia: management in Spain

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a common condition among the elderly but not systematically explored. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a highly prevalent clinical finding in elderly patients with pneumonia and is an indicator of disease severity in older patients with pneumonia. Dysphagia may cause a decrease in deglutition safety, leading to tracheobronchial aspiration which results in aspiration pneumonia. Clinical screening methods should be used to identify older people with oropharyngeal dysphagia and to identify those patients who are at risk of aspiration. Videofluoroscopy (VFS) is the gold standard to study the oral and pharyngeal mechanisms of dysphagia in older patients. Diagnosis and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia need a multidisciplinary approach. There are two kinds of specific preventive interventions: the first focuses on reducing the colonization of bacteria in the mouth and nasopharynx, and the second on preventing aspiration.

An unusual case of foreign body aspiration and review of the literature

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a health problem that can be seen in all age groups, and it requires urgent diagnosis and intervention. We report a case of an unusual foreign body aspiration in a laryngectomized patient and we aim to discuss this situation according to the literature. A 72-year-old man, who underwent total laryngectomy 7 years ago for a squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, was reported with complaint of aspiration of a silicone tracheostomy canula. Foreign body aspiration can present with a wide variety of symptoms. Although it is sometimes asymptomatic, mostly there exists cough, dispnea, hemoptisis and even respiratory arrest. Clinical history and radiological examinations are enough for the diagnose but in some cases, it is difficult to diagnose even by bronchoscopy. In this report, ethiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnose and treatment of foreign body aspirations are discussed under the light of the literature. Ethiology and pathogenesis are beneficial for the assessment of treatment time and method. Appropriate and ontime clinical intervention makes the diagnosis to be easier. Treatment timing and methods are important to prevent the complications. Flexible bronchoscopy can be used for the diagnose and is preferential to remove small and fit foreign bodies. For children, for complicated cases and in order to remove penetrating or amorph-shaped bodies rigit bronchoscopy should be preferred.

Evaluation of computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy in paediatric tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration

Evaluation of computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy in paediatric tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration in children: how reliable are clinical and radiological signs in the diagnosis?

To evaluate the yield of clinical and radiological features in the diagnosis of suspected foreign body aspiration in children and to assess factors associated with delayed diagnosis of foreign body aspiration. Retrospective review of 10 years of experience in tertiary referral centre. Data were extracted from clinical records of children who underwent rigid bronchoscopy for suspected foreign body aspiration at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu from 2000 to 2009. Clinical features and radiological findings were validated against bronchoscopic findings. Data of 103 children, (mean=2.7 years, range=months to 14 years; 64% boys and 36% girls, were analysed. Majority (73%) were under 3 years of age. Foreign body aspiration was proven bronchoscopically in 85 (83%) patients. The most common symptoms were sudden choking crisis (74%) and paroxysms of cough (73%). Independent predictors of proven foreign body aspiration were witnessed aspiration, choking crisis and unilateral decreased breath sounds in univariate (P=0.001, <0.001, and 0.001 respectively) and multivariable analyses (P=0.02, 0.001, and <0.001 respectively). The most sensitive and specific clinical features were choking (86%) and witnessed aspiration episode (89%), respectively. Available chest radiographs revealed radio-opaque objects in 27% of patients. Delayed diagnosis of foreign body aspiration (>72 h) was significantly more in younger children (t=3.29; P=0.001), as well as in children with no history of witnessed aspiration, negative chest examination and radiological signs (P<0.001, P=0.02 and P=0.04 respectively). To prevent the delayed diagnosis, witnessed aspiration, choking crisis, unilateral decreased breath sounds and radiopaque objects should be checked in all suspected cases. When history is doubtful, regardless of radiological findings, bronchoscopy can be strongly recommended in the presence of two factors.

Predictors of Aspiration Pneumonia following Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Aspiration following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is a common event, but not all patients with aspiration will develop pneumonia. Our aim was to identify predictors of pneumonia in patients with aspiration following radiotherapy for HNC. We performed a retrospective study of 52 patients referred for modified videofluoroscopic barium swallow (MVBS) testing at our institution from 2003 to 2007 in order to identify clinical variables associated with the diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia. Independent risk factors for the development of pneumonia were tracheobronchial aspiration on MVBS testing (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 20.5; p = 0.025), malnutrition (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 14.7; p = 0.018), and smoking history (OR, 1.04 per pack-year; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.07; p = 0.011). Through logistic regression analysis, we developed a bivariate predictive model with a sensitivity of 58%, a specificity of 90%, a positive predictive value of 79%, and a negative predictive value of 77% for the development of aspiration pneumonia in our patient population. Depth of aspiration on MVBS testing, malnutrition, and smoking history were strongly associated with the development of aspiration pneumonia in our patient population. The use of clinical variables to determine the risk of aspiration pneumonia is feasible and may help identify high-risk patients.

Chronic Aspiration without Pulmonary Complications after Partial Laryngectomy: Long-term Follow-up of Two Cases

We report the long-term history of two patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia subsequent to partial resection of the larynx (supraglottic and subtotal laryngectomy, respectively). Both fiberendoscopic and videofluoroscopy swallowing studies demonstrated aspiration of liquids and solids in the lower respiratory tract. The patients underwent a swallowing rehabilitation program and respiratory exercises to improve the efficacy of their cough, and both continued oral feeding despite their persistent dysphagia. They were followed annually over the subsequent 12 and 9 years, respectively, which included overseeing the clinical status of their bronchopulmonary apparatus (i.e., whether a productive cough was present or not), nutritional status, spirometric parameters, arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, and measurement of cough effectiveness. They also underwent serial videofluoroscopy swallowing studies, which demonstrated persistent tracheobronchial aspiration of both liquids and solids. Based on the absence of respiratory hospitalizations as well as pulmonary deterioration during the follow-up period, we discuss the importance of cough effectiveness and its enhancement as a possible protective factor to avoid pulmonary morbidity in chronic aspiration.

Diagnosis and Management of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Its Nutritional and Respiratory Complications in the Elderly

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a major complaint among older people. Dysphagia may cause two types of complications in these patients: (a) a decrease in the efficacy of deglutition leading to malnutrition and dehydration, (b) a decrease in deglutition safety, leading to tracheobronchial aspiration which results in aspiration pneumonia and can lead to death. Clinical screening methods should be used to identify older people with oropharyngeal dysphagia and to identify those patients who are at risk of aspiration. Videofluoroscopy (VFS) is the gold standard to study the oral and pharyngeal mechanisms of dysphagia in older patients. Up to 30% of older patients with dysphagia present aspiration—half of them without cough, and 45%, oropharyngeal residue; and 55% older patients with dysphagia are at risk of malnutrition. Treatment with dietetic changes in bolus volume and viscosity, as well as rehabilitation procedures can improve deglutition and prevent nutritional and respiratory complications in older patients. Diagnosis and management of oropharyngeal dysphagia need a multidisciplinary approach.

Pathophysiology of oropharyngeal dysphagia in the frail elderly

Oropharyngeal dysphagia is a major complaint among the elderly. Our aim was to assess the pathophysiology of oropharyngeal dysphagia in frail elderly patients (FEP). A total of 45 FEP (81.5 +/- 1.1 years) with oropharyngeal dysphagia and 12 healthy volunteers (HV, 40 +/- 2.4 years) were studied using videofluoroscopy. Each subject's clinical records, signs of safety and efficacy of swallow, timing of swallow response, hyoid motion and tongue bolus propulsion forces were assessed. Healthy volunteers presented a safe and efficacious swallow, faster laryngeal closure (0.157 +/- 0.013 s) upper esophageal sphincter opening (0.200 +/- 0.011 s), and maximal vertical hyoid motion (0.310 +/- 0.048 s), and stronger tongue propulsion forces (22.16 +/- 2.54 mN) than FEP. By contrast, 63.63% of FEP presented oropharyngeal residue, 57.10%, laryngeal penetration and 17.14%, tracheobronchial aspiration. Frail elderly patients with impaired swallow safety showed delayed laryngeal vestibule (LV) closure (0.476 +/- 0.047 s), similar bolus propulsion forces, poor functional capacity and higher 1-year mortality rates (51.7%vs 13.3%, P = 0.021) than FEP with safe swallow. Frail elderly patients with oropharyngeal residue showed impaired tongue propulsion (9.00 +/- 0.10 mN), delayed maximal vertical hyoid motion (0.612 +/- 0.071 s) and higher (56.0%vs 15.8%, P = 0.012) 1-year mortality rates than those with efficient swallow. Frail elderly patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia presented poor outcome and high mortality rates. Impaired safety of deglutition and aspirations are mainly caused by delayed LV closure. Impaired efficacy and residue are mainly related to weak tongue bolus propulsion forces and slow hyoid motion. Treatment of dysphagia in FEP should be targeted to improve these critical events.

A Dilemma in Dysphagia Management: Is Aspiration Pneumonia the Chicken or the Egg?

A Dilemma in Dysphagia Management: Is Aspiration Pneumonia the Chicken or the Egg?

Evaluation of computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy in paediatric tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration

Virtual bronchoscopy is a noninvasive technique which provides an intraluminal view of the tracheobronchial tree. This study aimed to evaluate this technique in comparison with rigid bronchoscopy, in paediatric patients with tracheobronchial foreign bodies undetected by plain chest radiography. Plain chest radiography was initially performed in 40 children with suspected foreign body aspiration. Computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy was performed in the 20 in whom chest radiography appeared normal. Virtual bronchoscopic images were obtained. All patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy performed by an otolaryngologist blinded to the computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy findings, within 24 hours. Virtual bronchoscopic findings were then compared with the results of rigid bronchoscopy. In 12 patients, foreign bodies detected by virtual bronchoscopy were confirmed by rigid bronchoscopy. In one case, a mucous plug was perceived as a foreign body on virtual bronchoscopy. In another case, a minute foreign body was missed on virtual bronchoscopy. The following parameters were calculated: sensitivity, 92.3 per cent; specificity, 85.7 per cent; validity, 90 per cent; positive likelihood ratio, 6.45; and negative likelihood ratio, 0.089. In the presence of a positive clinical diagnosis and negative chest radiography, computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy must be considered in all cases of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration, in order to avoid needless rigid bronchoscopy. Computed tomography virtual bronchoscopy is particularly useful in screening cases of occult foreign body aspiration, as it has high sensitivity, specificity and validity.

Achalasia of the oesophagus in infancy: a case report

Achalasia characteristically causes dismotility of the lower oesophageal sphincter and defective peristalsis of the body of the oesophagus, in response to the act of swallowing, as a result of ganglionic cells degeneration. The resultant oesophageal dilatation leads to food stasis and may cause oesophagitis and tracheobronchial aspiration. Achalasia is a rare occurrence in the paediatric age group and even more extremely rare in the neonate and young infant. Urgent radiologic evaluation of the underlying cause of persistent on-going vomiting in an infant is mandatory. To emphasize the role of upper gastrointestinal imaging in infants with persistent on-going vomiting, severe dehydration and malnutrition through case illustration of a 9-month-old infant seen in a private medical outfit in Lagos. Dilute barium oesophagogram, pre- and postoperatively, was performed in a 9-month-old infant and illustrative images were presented. Literature materials on achalasia of the oesophagus were reviewed and juxtaposed with findings in the illustrated case for discussion. Only 3 to 4 percent of achalasia is reported to occur in the paediatric age group with average duration of 28 months from onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Persistent vomiting and failure to thrive are common. Pneumatic dilatations and surgical myotomy are recommended treatment methods. Urgent upper gastrointestinal contrast study is appropriate in infants with suspected achalasia for successful management.

Erişkinlerde Trakeobronşiyal Yabancı Cisimler

Yabanci cisim aspirasyonu, acil girisim gerektiren ve yasami tehdit edici bir durum olusturabilir. Ulkemizde, ozellikle eriskinlerde yabanci cisim aspirasyonu oldukca siktir. Bu calismada amac, eriskinlerdeki trakeobronsiyal yabanci cisim aspirasyonlarinin etiyolojisi, klinigi, bronkoskopik tedavinin onemini belirterek tedavi sonuclarini degerlendirmektir. Ocak 1998 - Aralik 2003 arasinda Ondokuz Mayis Universitesi Tip Fakultesi Gogus Cerrahisi Anabilim Dali'nda trakeobronsiyal yabanci cisim aspirasyonu tanisiyla bronkoskopi uygulanan 53 hasta retrospektif olarak degerlendirildi. Tani hikaye, fizik muayene, radyolojik bulgular ve bronkoskopi ile konuldu. Hastalarin yas araligi 14-58 olup yas ortalamasi 24±1.6 yil idi. Hastalarin 44'u (%83) kadin, 9'u (%17) erkekti. Basvuru aninda 18 (%34) hasta semptomatikti ve en sik semptom oksuruktu (%17). En sik rastlanan radyografik anormallik radyo-opak yabanci cisim gorulmesi idi (%81). Bronkoskopi uygulanan hastalarin 50'sinde (%94) yabanci cisim tespit edildi, uc hastada yabanci cisime rastlanmadi. Uc hastaya rijid + fleksibl bronkoskopi uygulandi ve yabanci cisim cikarilmadi. Bu olgulara (%5.6) torakotomi + pnomotomi uygulandi. Yabanci cisimlerin; 24'u (%48) sag bronsiyal sistemde, 18'i (%36) sol bronsiyal sistemde ve 8'i (%16) trakeada tespit edildi. Yabanci cisimlerin buyuk cogunlugunun (%80) turban ignesi oldugu goruldu. Trakeobronsiyal yabanci cisim aspirasyonunda erken tani ve tedavi onemlidir. Trakeobronsiyal yabanci cisimler bronkoskopi ile basariyla cikarilabilir. Bolgelere ve ulkelere gore aspire edilen yabanci cisimler cesitlilik gostermektedir. Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies in Adults Foreign body aspiration can be a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention. In our country and especially in adults, the prevalence of foreign bodies aspiration is high. In this study, the aim is to evaluate results of the treatment, as well as pointing the importance of bronchoscopic treatment, and etyology and clinics of tracheobronchial foreign bodies in adults. Between January 1998 and December 2003, at Ondokuz Mayis University Medical School, Department of Thoracic Surgery, 53 patients were examined with a suspicion of tracheobronchial foreign body aspirations, retrospectively. The diagnosis was made on history, physical examination, radiological methods and bronchoscopy. The age interval of the patients was 14 to 58 and the mean age was 24±1.6 years. Nine (17%) of them were male and 44 (83%) of them were female. Eighteen (34%) patients were symptomatic on admission and the most frequent symptom was cough (17%). The most common radiographic abnormality found in 81% of the cases was a radiopaque foreign body. All 53 patients had bronchoscopic evaluation, and at 50 (94%) of them foreign bodies were identified. Only in three cases a foreign body was not found during the bronchoscopy. In 3 (5.6%) cases, in which rigid + flexible bronchoscopy were unsuccessful, thoracotomy + pneumotomy was applied. Foreign bodies were localized in the right bronchial tree in 24 (48%) cases, in the left bronchial tree in 18 (36%) cases and in the trachea in 8 (16%) cases. The majority of the foreign bodies were turban pins, in 40 (80%) cases. Early diagnosis and treatment is important in tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration. Tracheobronchial foreign bodies can be successfully removed with bronchoscopy. Aspired foreign bodies vary from region to region and country to country.

Practical gastric physiology

Most anaesthetists are wary of this part of the gastrointestinal tract because of the potential for tracheobronchial aspiration of stomach contents. Nevertheless, we are required to administer anaesthesia to patients with full stomachs and an understanding of the relevant gastric physiology can help avoid and reduce the consequences of gastric aspiration. For aspiration of stomach contents to occur there must first be gastro-oesophageal reflux, when gastric contents breach the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). The acid material must then flow back along the 30 cm oesophagus and be regurgitated (pass the upper oesophageal sphincter) to contaminate the pharynx. If the patient’s level of consciousness is reduced, the normally protective gag and cough reflexes will be obtunded and gastric contents may then reach the tracheobronchial tree (aspiration). Solid matter may obstruct the airways and the acidic liquid can cause bronchospasm, resulting in severe hypoxia and respiratory failure.

Predictors of Aspiration Pneumonia following Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Objectives Aspiration following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is a common event, but not all patients with aspiration will develop pneumonia. Our aim was to identify predictors of pneumonia in patients with aspiration following radiotherapy for HNC. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 52 patients referred for modified videofluoroscopic barium swallow (MVBS) testing at our institution from 2003 to 2007 in order to identify clinical variables associated with the diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia. Results Independent risk factors for the development of pneumonia were tracheobronchial aspiration on MVBS testing (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 20.5; p = 0.025), malnutrition (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 14.7; p = 0.018), and smoking history (OR, 1.04 per pack-year; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.07; p = 0.011). Through logistic regression analysis, we developed a bivariate predictive model with a sensitivity of 58%, a specificity of 90%, a positive predictive value of 79%, and a negative predictive value of 77% for the development of aspiration pneumonia in our patient population. Conclusions Depth of aspiration on MVBS testing, malnutrition, and smoking history were strongly associated with the development of aspiration pneumonia in our patient population. The use of clinical variables to determine the risk of aspiration pneumonia is feasible and may help identify high-risk patients.

Extraction of airway foreign bodies in adults: experience from 1987–2008☆

To determine the incidence and the clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic characteristics of adult patients in our area diagnosed with tracheobronchial foreign bodies (FBs), we have performed a descriptive retrospective study analysing rigid and flexible bronchoscopies practised at our department between 1987 and 2008 in patients older than 14 years. Of the 9781 bronchoscopies performed, 32 involved cases of bronchoaspiration of FBs. The mean age of the patients was 43.81 years (S.D. 21.43); 65.6% were male and 34.4% were female. Acute or recurrent infection was the most frequent clinical presentation. Chest radiographs provided data for diagnosis in 68% of the cases. The most common FB aspirated were inorganic (pins and plastic devices 21.4%, respectively). In conclusion, we can state that in our area tracheobronchial aspiration of FBs by adults is not common. The clinical symptoms are highly variable and the FBs are usually lodged in the right bronchial tree.

Tracheobronchial foreign bodies in infants

Objective Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common cause of respiratory distress between 1 and 3 years of age. Literature on airway foreign bodies in this age group is abundant; however no study has addressed this problem in infants exclusively. This study aimed to review the clinical presentation, management and outcome of infants with tracheobronchial foreign bodies at a referral tertiary care hospital over a decade. Methods 102 infants who underwent bronchoscopy for suspected FBA from 1997 to 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Details of demographic data, clinical features, radiologic and bronchoscopic findings, postbronchoscopy events and eventual outcome were analysed. Results The mean age was 10.5 months. 8 (7.8%) were 0–6 months of age, the youngest being 2 months. Males outnumbered (72:30) females. 10 (9.8%) presented secondarily after treatment elsewhere, 6 of them were initially misdiagnosed. The onset-presentation interval ranged from 1 day to 3 months, 41 (40.2%) reporting within a day and 19 (18.6%) a week after onset. 20 (19.6%) had no history suggestive of FBA but harboured airway FBs at bronchoscopy. The clinical triad of cough, respiratory distress and stridor was highly predictive of FBA. 8 (7.84%) had no abnormal physical findings while 8 (10.81%) had grossly normal chest radiographs. All the patients underwent emergency/elective rigid bronchoscopy (Karl Storz system) under general anesthesia as in-patients. The physical findings did not always correlate with radiology or bronchoscopic location of the FB. A peanut cotyledon was the commonest FB retrieved across infancy; in 5 (4.9%) no FB was found/identifiable. 2 required postbronchoscopy mechanical ventilation and 1 a repeat bronchoscopy. There were 6 complications but no mortality in the series. The average hospital stay was 1.4 days. At a week's follow-up, all were asymptomatic and well. Conclusions The clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of FBA in 102 infants are presented and certain peculiar features are described. A high index of suspicion coupled with a combination of history, physical signs and radiology is more conclusive than any of them in isolation. Availability of expertise and endoscopic equipment ensures a favourable outcome without significant morbidity and mortality.