Laryngotracheal foreign bodies in children. A comparison with bronchial foreign bodies.

Twenty cases of laryngotracheal foreign bodies were reviewed over an 11-year period to determine features that differentiate these from bronchial foreign bodies. A history of choking or aspiration was obtained in 18 patients (90%). The most common presenting symptoms were stridor, wheezing, sternal retractions, and cough. The chest roentgenogram was most often normal (58% [11/19]). Posteroanterior and lateral neck roentgenograms suggested the diagnosis in 92% (12/13) of the patients. The correct diagnosis was made within the first 24 hours of presentation in 11 patients (55%); 19 patients (95%) were correctly diagnosed within one week. The incidence of major complications was 45% (9/20); however, in patients with a delay in diagnosis of over 24 hours the complication rate was 67% (6/9). For this reason, in children with a diagnosis of croup or reactive airway disease who respond poorly or whose condition deteriorates despite appropriate medical therapy, early endoscopy should be considered.