A Chronic Lung Cavity Concealing an Unsuspected Foreign Body Aspiration in a Child.

BACKGROUND

Delayed foreign body aspiration (FBA) mimicking a lung abscess is rare in children.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-year-old girl presented with fever, cough, and a cavitary lung lesion initially diagnosed as lung abscess. Poor response to antibiotics prompted bronchoscopy, which revealed a pumpkin seed shell fragment causing obstruction and granulation. History revealed a choking episode eight months prior.

RESULTS

The foreign body was removed bronchoscopically, and the patient recovered fully.

CONCLUSIONS

Occult FBA should be considered in children with focal cavitary lung lesions, especially when unresponsive to antibiotics for lung abscess.