The Case of the Missing Dentures: A Case Report and Review of Esophageal Foreign Body as a Cause of Chest Pain

Abstract

Esophageal foreign body ingestion is a cause of non-cardiac chest pain and can be associated with significant mortality. Typically, esophageal foreign body ingestion is managed with endoscopic retrieval to prevent complications. The most commonly ingested foreign bodies in adults are food boluses. However, sometimes we see patients after the ingestion of more atypical and dangerous objects. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old female who presented to the emergency department with chest pain. Quickly after admission to the emergency department, the patient was noted to have an esophageal foreign body on the chest radiograph. The patient was subsequently taken for endoscopic management of the foreign body and intubated for airway protection. With careful manipulation of the mystery object, the foreign body was removed and the patient was able to be discharged safely from the hospital without complications. This case emphasizes the importance of keeping a broad differential for one of the most commonly seen chief complaints in the emergency department to ensure timely triage of patients.