Plight by Wrong Passage: A case report and review of clinical and radiological findings of aspirated foreign bodies

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration can be a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention by bronchoscopy. While foreign bodies are most common in the pediatric population and in adults with underlying risk factors, we present an interesting case of a non-debilitated adult who aspirated a corn kernel. It is necessary for the clinician to recognize the symptoms, and for the radiologist to make the correct imaging diagnosis, to expedite proper treatment. Radiographs are often not useful in identifying the location due to the radiolucent nature of most aspirated foreign bodies. However, secondary findings may be visible. Computed tomography (CT) may be used to evaluate aspiration in clinically stable adults. The timely removal of a foreign body from the respiratory tract by bronchoscopy often leads to a rapid and complete recovery.