Bronchial necrosis and granuloma induced by the aspiration of a tablet of ferrous sulphate

Abstract

Aspiration of foreign bodies occurs mainly in children and elderly people. When the foreign body is a tablet, this event can be more severe due to the local release of active molecules. We observed spontaneously regressing bronchial necrosis and granuloma due to the aspiration of a tablet of ferrous sulphate. We stress the need to consider the possibility of aspiration of a tablet in elderly patients with acute respiratory symptoms, and the importance of an early removal of the tablet.