To determine the incidence and the clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic characteristics of adult patients in our area diagnosed with tracheobronchial foreign bodies (FBs), we have performed a descriptive retrospective study analysing rigid and flexible bronchoscopies practised at our department between 1987 and 2008 in patients older than 14 years. Of the 9781 bronchoscopies performed, 32 involved cases of bronchoaspiration of FBs. The mean age of the patients was 43.81 years (S.D. 21.43); 65.6% were male and 34.4% were female. Acute or recurrent infection was the most frequent clinical presentation. Chest radiographs provided data for diagnosis in 68% of the cases. The most common FB aspirated were inorganic (pins and plastic devices 21.4%, respectively). In conclusion, we can state that in our area tracheobronchial aspiration of FBs by adults is not common. The clinical symptoms are highly variable and the FBs are usually lodged in the right bronchial tree.

Foreign body (FB) aspiration into the airway is lees common in adults than children.Nevertheless its incidence does not decrease through time. We present clinical relevant aspects of airway FBs on the basis of a selective review of pertinent literature retrieved by a search in the PubMed database.The most common aspirated FBs by adults are organics, especially fragments of bones and seeds. Symptoms usually are cough, chocking and dyspnea. Right localization, especially bronchus intermedius and right lower lobe, is more frequent. Chest radiography can be normal in up to 20% of the cases and FBs can be detected in 26% of the patients. FBs can safely remove in the majority of patients under flexible bronchoscopy.Surgical treatment must be reserved for cases in which bronchoscope fails or there are irreversible bronchial or lung complications.

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doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00621.x Unnoticed swallowing of a unilateral removable partial denture Objective:  This paper presents a case report about an unnoticed swallowing of a partial denture impacted in the esophagus in a 74‐year old man without serious complications. Background data:  Dental prostheses (removable/fixed dental prostheses or fragments of dentures) appear to constitute a significant proportion of swallowed of impacted foreign bodies in the orolaryngopharynx. Conclusion:  This case emphazises that is advisable to contraindicate this type of unilateral removable partial denture to replace teeth as temporary or definitive dental prosthesis.

Air embolism is defined as the entry of gas into a vascular structure. Frequently it is iatrogenic and can result in serious morbidity and mortality. We describe the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with mediastinitis as a result of ingestion of a fishbone. Mediastinal debridement was performed which was complicated in the postoperative period by a systemic air embolism, as documented by computed tomography and clinical features.