Laryngotracheal foreign bodies in children. A comparison with bronchial foreign bodies.

Twenty cases of laryngotracheal foreign bodies were reviewed over an 11-year period to determine features that differentiate these from bronchial foreign bodies. A history of choking or aspiration was obtained in 18 patients (90%). The most common presenting symptoms were stridor, wheezing, sternal retractions, and cough. The chest roentgenogram was most often normal (58% [11/19]). Posteroanterior and lateral neck roentgenograms suggested the diagnosis in 92% (12/13) of the patients. The correct diagnosis was made within the first 24 hours of presentation in 11 patients (55%); 19 patients (95%) were correctly diagnosed within one week. The incidence of major complications was 45% (9/20); however, in patients with a delay in diagnosis of over 24 hours the complication rate was 67% (6/9). For this reason, in children with a diagnosis of croup or reactive airway disease who respond poorly or whose condition deteriorates despite appropriate medical therapy, early endoscopy should be considered.

Duke Scholars

Author Ramon Mitra Esclamado Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences