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Nascer e Crescer

versão impressa ISSN 0872-0754versão On-line ISSN 2183-9417

Nascer e Crescer vol.31 no.1 Porto mar. 2022  Epub 31-Mar-2022

https://doi.org/10.25753/birthgrowthmj.v31.i1.21324 

Imaging cases

Persistent fever and hemoptoic sputum - clinical case

Febre persistente e expectoração hemoptóica - caso clínico

Sara Mosca1  , Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Methodology, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5474-7236

Adriana Magalhães2  , Conceptualization, Resources, Writing - review & editing
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3473-4996

Isabel Couto Guerra1  , Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing - review & editing, Supervision
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2047-6319

Inês Azevedo3  4  5  , Methodology, Writing - review & editing, Supervision
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0090-8612

1.Department of Pediatrics, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Porto. 4050-651 Porto, Portugal. sara.mosca.silva@gmail.com; isabelcoutoguerra@sapo.pt

2.Department of Pneumology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João. 4200-319 Porto, Portugal. adrimagalhaes08@gmail.com

3.Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João. 4200-319 Porto, Portugal. inesaguedaazevedo@gmail.com

4.Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto. 4200-319 Porto, Portugal. inesaguedaazevedo@gmail.com

5.EpiUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal. inesaguedaazevedo@gmail.com


Abstract

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common and serious problem in children. Considering that signs and symptoms can be non-specific and subtle, it is of utmost importance to recognize vulnerable patient groups, combine an accurate history with complete physical examination, and follow a structured diagnostic approach towards correct diagnosis. In the present case, a high index of suspicion was essential to prevent a delay in FBA diagnosis, discuss the appropriate management strategy and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: adolescent; aspiration; bronchoscopy; pneumonia

Resumo

A aspiração de corpo estranho é um problema comum e sério em idade pediátrica. Considerando que os sinais e sintomas da aspiração podem ser subtis e pouco específicos, é de extrema importância reconhecer os grupos vulneráveis, associar uma história clínica precisa a um exame físico completo e seguir uma abordagem diagnóstica estruturada e abrangente, de forma a obter o diagnóstico correto. O presente caso clínico ilustra a importância de manter um elevado índice de suspeição para evitar atrasos no diagnóstico, permitindo discutir a abordagem terapêutica e otimizar a evolução clínica.

Palavras-chave: adolescente; aspiração; broncoscopia; pneumonia

A 15-year-old female teenager with Chiari type I malformation (a pathogenic microdeletion of the chromosome 16 ─ 16p13.11 microdeletion syndrome ─ associated with global development delay) presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with a history of fever with 24 hours of evolution. She had choked with an olive pit the day before, saying that it was spontaneously expelled through coughing. Despite the absence of respiratory signs or symptoms and possible non-radiopaque nature of the foreign body, expiratory chest radiograph and abdominal x-ray were performed, showing no changes, and the girl was discharged with the probable diagnosis of viral infection. Eleven days later, she returned to the ED with persistent fever, dysphagia, and productive cough with hemoptoic sputum. On admission, she presented nasal obstruction and crackles and decreased lung sounds on the right hemithorax. No hypoxia, respiratory distress, or expiratory stridor were identified. Laboratory assessment revealed leucocytosis (14,670/μL) with neutrophilia (11,190/μL) and increased C-reactive protein (250 mg/L), and chest x-ray showed a small-volume pneumomediastinum and a less prominent right cardiac silhouette, suggesting condensation on the right lower lobe (Figure 1A).

What is your diagnosis?

Figure 1 Radiological and Computed tomography findings A- Chest x-ray revealing a small pneumomediastinum and a less prominent right cardiac silhouette ; B -Chest computed tomography (CT) scan showing intermedius bronchus obstruction. 

Diagnosis

Foreign body aspiration

Discussion

In the present case, chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an obstruction of the bronchus intermedius by a foreign body (Figure 1B). Rigid bronchoscopy was later performed with extraction of an olive pit. The patient had favorable clinical outcome after a full 10-day treatment course with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid and prednisolone.

The clinical findings, complementary exam results, and favorable outcome in this case confirmed the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration (FBA) with pneumonia.

FBA is a relevant concern in pediatric age, particularly in children under the age of five years and in vulnerable children, like those with global development delay or neuromuscular disorders.1-5 The girl in the present case had Chiari type I malformation and 16p13.11 microdeletion syndrome, with global development delay, thus having a high risk of FBA.6 Besides potentially life-threatening, FBA can remain undetected due to absent or atypical history and misleading clinical and/or imagiological findings. It is not uncommon to find patients treated for suspicion of other disorders, such as infectious diseases, asthma, or psychiatric conditions.2 A high index of clinical suspicion, combined with accurate history, with or without abnormal radiological features, is mandatory to recognize this entity and prevent delayed diagnosis and complications.1,2

Clinical symptoms are associated with the patient’s age, size, location, and type (organic, inorganic) of foreign body, and time elapsed from the moment of aspiration until presentation. The most common complaint is sudden onset of cough, which can present with wheezing and/or signs of respiratory distress. For patients who delay seeking medical support, fever, flank pain, crackles, and diminished breathing sounds may be observed, similarly to the present case.1-4 Recurrent pneumonia, that occur in the same anatomic location, can also be a form of presentation. Foreign body extraction is crucial for successful treatment.

In the first hours, local hyperinflation at the affected side represents an indirect radiological finding potentially suggestive of FBA. Later signs include pleural effusion and/or consolidation. However, all of these are nonspecific.1,4 Importantly, the absence of pulmonary signs on chest x-ray should not rule out FBA, since at least 90% of foreign bodies are non-opaque. Consequently, it is crucial to determine whether the patient should undergo additional imaging exams, as CT scan or bronchoscopy, based only on the possibility of aspiration. CT scan might help in cases with atypical presentation or radiologic findings, as the differential diagnosis includes tracheobronchial obstruction caused by external compression (e.g., tumors, cardiac enlargement) or intraluminal obstruction (e.g., granulomatous tissue, cystic fibrosis, asthma).2,4 Due to radiation exposure and possible need for general anesthesia, there is conflicting evidence in the literature regarding the benefit of performing CT scan before bronchoscopy. Nevertheless, CT is a non-invasive, feasible, and reliable imaging technique that can prevent unnecessary endoscopic procedures under general anesthesia.5 It can be performed with intra-rectal/nasal midazolam administration and a tolerable amount of radiation nowadays.5 Still, rigid bronchoscopy remains the gold standard, as it enables not only a definite diagnosis but also extraction of the foreign body(ies) and oxygen administration.4

In conclusion, every parent should be aware of early symptoms of FBA, as most events occur with no witnesses. Also health professionals should maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in cases with atypical history and nonspecific imaging findings. Additional imaging exams and rigid bronchoscopy should be used to confirm FBA diagnosis and treat the condition, crucial for a favorable clinical outcome.

References

1. Bakal U, Keles E, Sarac M, Karlidag T, Kaygusuz I, Kazez A. A study of foreign body aspiration in children. J Craniofac Surg. 2016;27(4):e358-63. [ Links ]

2. Sersar SI, Rizk WH, Bilal M, El Diasty MM, Eltantawy TA, Abdelhakam BB, et al. Inhaled foreign bodies: Presentation, management and value of history and plain chest radiography in delayed presentation. Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg. 2006;134(1):92-9. [ Links ]

3. Tenjovic D, Petrovic S, Dautovic GV, Lovrenski J, Rodic BB. Clinical and radiological characteristics of unrecognised foreign body aspiration into respiratory tract in children. Med Pregl. 2013;66(5-6):214-9. [ Links ]

4. Salih A., Alfaki M. A-ED. Airway foreign bodies: A critical review for a common pediatric emergency. World J Emerg Med. 2016;7(1):5-12. [ Links ]

5. Pitiot V, Grall M, Ploin D, Truy E, Ayari Khalfallah S. The use of CT-scan in foreign body aspiration in children: A 6 years' experience. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2017;102:169-73. [ Links ]

6. Smith, Amanda & Jnah, Amy & Newberry, Desi. (2018). Chromosome 16p13.11 Microdeletion Syndrome in a Newborn: A Case Study. Neonatal Network. 37. 303-309. 10.1891/0730-0832.37.5.303. [ Links ]

Received: October 31, 2020; Accepted: May 04, 2021

Correspondence to Sara Mosca Department of Pediatrics Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Porto Largo da Maternidade de Júlio Dinis 45, 4050-651 Porto Email: sara.mosca.silva@gmail.com

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