An unexpected foreign body in the oesophogus: a case report.

An unusual case of foreign body in the oesophagus is reported. A history of dysphagia was absent although oesophageal obstruction was total; the retained foreign body was vegetable matter. An unusual radiological appearance, "the inverted wine-glass sign" is described. Pure water depletion was diagnosed there being dehydration combined with hypernatraemia (Na = 164MEq/L), normokalaemia (K+ = 4.2mEq/L), and acidosis (Serum bicarbonate = 10 mEq/L), as well as uraemia (220 mg%), and haemoconcentration (haemoglobin=18.5g%). Treatment with oesophageal lavage and intravenous fluids was successful.