Adult with mass burnt lime aspiration: A case report and literature review

Abstract

BACKGROUND Foreign body aspiration mainly occurs in children, which can cause a severe concurrent syndrome and even death without timely treatment. As a rare foreign body, aspiration of lime is seldom reported, and most cases involve a small amount of hydrated lime. Although the symptoms are usually severe, the prognosis is good after suitable treatment. Experience of treatment for lime aspiration is lacking, and this report provides novel evidence for treatment of mass burnt lime aspiration using bronchoscopy. CASE SUMMARY We report an adult with a large amount of burnt lime aspiration. Because of delay in clearance of the inhaled lime in the trachea and bronchus at the local hospital, he suffered several severe complications, including complete occlusion of the right primary bronchus, aeropleura, aerodermectasia, pneumomediastinum, secondary infection and hypoxemia at 4 d after injury. After transferring to our department, bronchoscopy was immediately carried out to clear the lime in the major airway, using foreign body forceps, biopsy forceps, puncture needle, and hairbrush. The patient’s condition recovered rapidly and at 3-months’ follow-up, he demonstrated good recovery of the bronchus and lung parenchyma. CONCLUSION After mass lime aspiration, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is suggested as early as possible, using clamping, flushing or cryotherapy.

The case of the disappearing foreign body

“…1 Inhalation of a massive amount of burnt lime leading to bronchus occlusion and airway damage was described in an adult who fell head down in a truck full of the substance. 2 In our case, it appears that the reaction of quick lime with the airway secretions led to the formation of the large mucus plug. This protective plug formation and its timely removal safeguarded the airway from permanent damage.…”