Foreign body aspiration in an adult: the great mimic

Med J Malaysia. 2008 Mar;63(1):61-2.

Abstract

A middle-aged lady presented with a three-month history of chronic cough. After a long and extensive investigation, CT thorax revealed collapse consolidation of the right lower lung lobe and bronchoscopy showed a polypoidal tumour within the involved bronchus. Thoracotomy and segmental lung resection revealed a peanut in the airways of the fibrotic and infected lung tissue. In view of the rarity of the food particle aspiration in a healthy adult, the delay in presentation and diagnosis in our patient, we would like to highlight this particular case. A high index of suspicion of FBA is necessary to avoid unnecessary anxiety, extensive investigations and overzealous treatment as well as to promote lung conservation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arachis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis
  • Lung*
  • Middle Aged