[Foreign body aspiration of the lower airways in children - diagnosis in clinical practice].

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Rigid bronchoscopic foreign body removal is the gold standard procedure for foreign body aspiration. We have analysed our results of bronchoscopies and the accuracy of diagnosis among the paediatric population in Southeast Hungary.

METHOD: A retrospective study of children admitted because of suspected solid foreign body aspiration between 2006 and 2017 was performed.

RESULTS

From among 220 admitted patients, 86 were suspected of solid particle aspiration. Presenting history was certain in 68.6% (n = 59/86). Sudden choking-like symptoms were present in 61/86 patients (70.9%), coughing in 81/86 patients (94.2%). Thoracic auscultation was positive in 67/86 cases (77.9%), chest X-ray in 75/86 patients (87.2%), while fluoroscopy only in 12/75 cases (16%). 92 bronchoscopies in 86 patients were performed. In 57 bronchoscopies, solid foreign body was found (66.2%) and the removal was successful in 56 cases. Thoracic auscultation was negative in patients with foreign body only in 6/57 cases (10.5%). In the same group, chest X-ray was negative in 33/57 cases (57.9%) and fluoroscopy was positive only in 12/57 patients (21.1%). Pneumonia or prolonged bronchitis was present in 4/86 patients (4.6%). Severe bronchial bleeding occurred in 2/86 cases (2.3%). Mortality was 1.2%, a child with severe co-morbidity and chronic aspiration passed away. Bronchoscopy was negative in 29/86 patients (33.7%). Complications were significantly higher in chronic cases than in the acute ones.

CONCLUSION

Rigid bronchoscopy is indicated if solid foreign body aspiration is suspected and positive anamnesis, typical symptoms (coughing, choking) or positive chest auscultations are present. Diagnosis predominantly based on radiological finding is controversial due to the high possibility of false negative results. Early intervention within the first 24 hours is recommended to avoid complications. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(51): 2162-2166.