Tracheobronchial Foreign Bodies in Children: A Strong History Associated with Plain Chest Radiography Findings Leads to Bronchoscopy

Objective: History and chest x-ray are the main diagnostic tools in children with foreign body aspiration (FBA). The study aims to evaluate clinical, radiological, and bronchoscopic findings associated with early and delayed diagnosis of FBA. Methods: The records of 249 children having bronchoscopy for suspected FBA were analyzed in three groups as negative bronchoscopy for FBA (group I), early diagnosis (group II), and delayed diagnosis (group III). Results: Choking episodes, coughing, and decreased breath sounds were determined significantly in FBA. The percentage of radiopaque FBs was 6.2%. Emphysema in groups II and III; atelectasis and pneumonia in group III were significantly higher on chest x-ray. Pneumonia and significant inflammation found during bronchoscopy were prominent in group III. FBs were mostly vegetable origin and the majority were found in the bronchus, more on the right side. FBs were successfully removed by rigid bronchoscopy except one having thoracotomy. Conclusion: Review of the literature, our current (2010-2019) and previous (1994-2003) studies designed in the same group structure showed that choking episode associated with a radiopaque FB leads to bronchoscopy. Emphysema and atelectasis are also valuable for early diagnosis. Regardless of radiological findings, bronchoscopy should be considered in patients with a strong history.