ISSN: 2640-2726
Authors: Maghtoum H*, Benlamkaddem S, Berdai MA, Harandou M
Inhalation of a foreign body is a frequent problem in pediatrics with a very difficult diagnosis in the absence of penetration syndrome. It is a very rare cause of emphysema moreover the combination of emphysema, pneumomediastinum or pneumopericardium is an exceptional form. We report an unrecognized case of inhalation of a foreign body, a 5-year-old girl was admitted for respiratory distress with diffuse subcutaneous emphysema in the eyelids , face, neck and chest more marked on the left . A chest CT revealed emphysema with pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium and a focus of LIG condensation. The diagnostic bronchoscopy was performed under general anesthesia. A sunflower seed, landlocked completely obstructing the bronchial lumen was detected and recovered in the left main bronchus. The removal of the foreign body resulted in improvement of the emphysema and the gradual disappearance of symptoms.
Keywords: Foreign Body Airways; Pneumomediastinum; Respiratory Distress; Subcutaneous Emphysema
