Negative Bronchoscopy or Computed Tomography Radiation in Children with Suspected Foreign Body Aspiration? Pros and Cons.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to analyse patients who underwent bronchoscopy for suspected foreign body aspiration (FBA) and to evaluate the properties of computed tomography (CT) in preventing unnecessary bronchoscopy, which carries the risk of serious complications.

METHODS

All patients younger than 18 years of age who were evaluated for FBA at a tertiary children's hospital between June 2014 and February 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 165 children were included in this study. In Group I (only bronchoscopy), the detection rate of FBA was 77.9%, whereas in Group II (CT ± bronchoscopy), the detection rate of FBA was 93%. Additionally, the negative diagnosis rate in Group II (7%) was significantly higher compared to Group I (22.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose chest CT is a highly effective and reliable imaging method for the diagnosis of FBA due to its rapid performance, minimal radiation exposure, and high sensitivity and specificity; therefore, it can prevent unnecessary bronchoscopies in suspicious cases and increase the positive bronchoscopy rate.