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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC-NDRadiology Case Reports

Imaging-based diagnosis of cryptic foreign body aspiration in a toddler with normal clinical presentation: A case report

  • Seth-Martin Appiah Kubi, MBCHB1
  • Ewurama Andam Idun, FGCP2
  • Michael Kofi Amedi, FGCP2
  • Emmanuel K. Mesi Edzie, FGCP3
  • Cyril Yaw Dei, MBCHB4
  • Kwesi Borsah Kum, MD2
4 affiliations
  1. 1Department of Radiology, 37 Military Hospital, Accra, Ghana; Corresponding author.
  2. 2Department of Radiology, 37 Military Hospital, Accra, Ghana
  3. 3Department of Radiology, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape coast, Ghana
  4. 4Department of Radiology, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
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Abstract

Foreign body aspiration is a potentially life-threatening emergency in children in the immediate or long-term setting. Classical clinical signs may be absent, leading to missed or delayed diagnosis. We report the case of a one-year-old female who aspirated a metallic pin that lodged in the left postero-basal segment. She was clinically asymptomatic throughout the course of management with diagnosis secured through imaging prompted predominantly by persistent maternal concern. Impacted foreign body removal was done via thoracotomy in the completely asymptomatic child after 35 days. This case underscores the importance of very vital but frequently under-emphasized aspects of the diagnosis and management of cases of pediatric foreign body aspiration; early imaging, especially in early presentation even in the absence of classical signs; the possible diagnostic challenges posed by radiolucent objects; the distinct anatomical considerations of the pediatric tracheobronchial tree and; the rare need for thoracotomy when endoscopic retrieval is not feasible.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{sethmartinappiahkubi2026imagingbased,
  title = {{Imaging-based diagnosis of cryptic foreign body aspiration in a toddler with normal clinical presentation: A case report}},
  author = {Seth-Martin Appiah Kubi, MBCHB and Ewurama Andam Idun, FGCP and Michael Kofi Amedi, FGCP and Emmanuel K. Mesi Edzie, FGCP and Cyril Yaw Dei, MBCHB and Kwesi Borsah Kum, MD},
  journal = {Radiology Case Reports},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.1016/j.radcr.2026.09.059},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2026.09.059},
  note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Imaging-based diagnosis of cryptic foreign body aspiration in a toddler with normal clinical presentation: A case report
AU  - Seth-Martin Appiah Kubi, MBCHB
AU  - Ewurama Andam Idun, FGCP
AU  - Michael Kofi Amedi, FGCP
AU  - Emmanuel K. Mesi Edzie, FGCP
AU  - Cyril Yaw Dei, MBCHB
AU  - Kwesi Borsah Kum, MD
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/23
JO  - Radiology Case Reports
DO  - 10.1016/j.radcr.2026.09.059
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2026.09.059
AB  - Foreign body aspiration is a potentially life-threatening emergency in children in the immediate or long-term setting. Classical clinical signs may be absent, leading to missed or delayed diagnosis. We report the case of a one-year-old female who aspirated a metallic pin that lodged in the left postero-basal segment. She was clinically asymptomatic throughout the course of management with diagnosis secured through imaging prompted predominantly by persistent maternal concern. Impacted foreign body removal was done via thoracotomy in the completely asymptomatic child after 35 days. This case underscores the importance of very vital but frequently under-emphasized aspects of the diagnosis and management of cases of pediatric foreign body aspiration; early imaging, especially in early presentation even in the absence of classical signs; the possible diagnostic challenges posed by radiolucent objects; the distinct anatomical considerations of the pediatric tracheobronchial tree and; the rare need for thoracotomy when endoscopic retrieval is not feasible.
SN  - 1930-0433
ER  -