Bronchial foreign body presenting as pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in a young child

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Pneumomediastinum (PM) and subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) following foreign body aspiration are very rare. Pneumomediastinum (PM) occurs due to alveolar rupture, whereas subcutaneous emphysema occurs if air leak persists. It is benign in nature, but in some cases, it might be fatal. Therefore, proper assessment and management are required to limit the life‐threatening complications and FB should always be suspected whenever spontaneous PM and SCE is seen. PM and SCE are very rare presentations of foreign body aspiration in children of age less than 3 years and in such circumstances, the possibility of foreign body should be considered. There is also a rare possibility of spontaneous expectoration of a foreign body dislodged in the trachea.

Keywords

• foreign body aspiration
• pneumomediastinum
• pneumothorax
• subcutaneous emphysema