Perforating and Migrating Pharyngoesophageal Foreign Bodies: A Series of 5 Patients

Abstract

Ingestion of a fo reign body is a problem seen in nearly all otolaryngologic pra ctices. One of the least commo n complications of fo reign-body inges tion is penetrat ion and migration, which may lead to serious morbidity or even death. We report the findings of a retrospec tive review of a series of 5 pa tients who had presented with a complete foreign-body penetrat ion. All of them had radiologic evidence of a f oreign body, but findin gs on rigid endoscopy were negative. Comput ed tomography is the radiologic study of choice to identify penetrat ing fo reign bodies. The fo reign bodies in all 5 pati ents were extracted via an external app roach.

Migration of a Swallowed Blunt Foreign Body to the Neck

“…CT scan can be effectively used to locate foreign bodies [5, 6]. A mass or an abscess in the head and neck region could be an outcome of a migrated foreign body.…”

Transient ischaemic attack caused by an ingested stingray barb

“…Foreign bodies that migrate from the pharynx and oesophagus into the neck are often reported; 1 ‐ 7 most common among adults are fishbones 1 , 2 . To our knowledge, this is the first report of the migration of an ingested stingray barb.…”

“…In our patient, the stingray barb was visualised as a radio‐opaque body in the x‐ray, but the findings were uncertain because of calcification in the thyroid gland and carotid arteries. When a foreign body is seen on x‐ray, an oesophagoscopy showing oedema, bruising or abrasion should raise suspicion of a migrating foreign body 7 . Computed tomography is the investigation of choice, and should be performed as soon as possible to prevent catastrophic complications of migration into structures of the neck 1 , 2…”

Metallic Foreign Body Migrating into Prevertebral Muscles: How We Did It?

“…However, esophageal penetration and migration of foreign bodies into soft tissues of the neck are fairly rare occurances. [3][4][5] Rarely, have the penetrating foreign bodies been found to exit through the skin of the neck. 2 Sharp penetrating foreign body in the esophagus may have varying presentations.…”