A complicated cockroach‐ectomy

Abstract

The exact incidence of foreign body aspiration among adults is unknown, and its clinical presentation is vastly divergent. We report the previously undescribed occurrence of cockroach aspiration in an adult, presenting with a “crawling sensation” in his chest. Flexible endobronchial examination revealed a foreign body impacted in the lingula, resembling the Australian cockroach Periplaneta australasiae. Partial extraction via biopsy forceps was performed and complicated by acute hypoxia on disimpaction, requiring a brief period of bag/mask ventilation. Following the offset of procedural sedation, the remaining foreign body was manually expectorated. A total of 24 h post‐procedure, the patient was febrile with positive blood cultures (Micrococcus luteus). We highlight the importance of definitive airway support during endobronchial interventions and raise the question regarding the significance of transient bacteraemia following bronchoscopic manipulation.

Aspiration of a Bee causing Right Lung Collapse, Anaphylaxis and Hypoxic Respiratory Arrest

“…A 2018 case reported an adult man with a "crawling sensation" in his chest who on flexible bronchoscopy was found to have a foreign body resembling an Australian cockroach obstructing the lingula. The foreign body was successfully removed [2]. In 1996, Sharma et al reported finding a "mummified" cockroach in the bronchus of a pediatric patient [3].…”