Suspecting Airway Foreign Body in Agenesis of the Lung: A Rare Incidence of Misdiagnosis

Abstract

Agenesis of the lung is an extremely rare condition. Suspecting foreign body in agenesis of the lung is a diagnostic dilemma. We report the case of an 11 months old boy who presented with cough and cold; examination showed decreased air entry on the right side and investigations reported collapse on chest X-ray and plain computed tomography (CT) scan of thorax. Pediatrician suspected airway foreign body. Rigid bron­choscopy­was­done­ to­confirm­ the­diagnosis,­but­ there­ was blind end in the right bronchus with no foreign body seen. Contrast-enhanced CT scan (CECT) of the neck and chest confirmed­the­aplasia­of­right­lung.­Agenesis­of­the­lung­should­ be kept in the mind by the clinician when dealing with foreign body in airway. This can prevent unnecessary intervention like rigid bronchoscopy.