A Diagnostic Dilemma for the Pediatrician: Radiolucent Tracheobronchial Foreign Body

Abstract

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspirations usually occur prior to the age of 3 years, with the most frequently aspirated foreign bodies being food or items of a radiolucent nature. Clinical history, physical examinations, and radiological findings are not able to detect the presence of a radiolucent foreign body aspiration in children. Therefore, a bronchoscopy should be performed on children in whom a choking event has been witnessed, even in cases of normal radiological and clinical findings.