Surgical emphysema: a rare presentation of foreign body inhalation

An 11-year-old girl with an almond lodging in the tracheobronchial tree is described. She presented with an uncommon symptom of subcutaneous emphysema The x-ray revealed left-sided pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. Intercostal drain was inserted, but she developed respiratory failure and was ventilated. After initial stabilization for 60 hours, she deteriorated again and her x-ray revealed right-sided collapse. After removal of the foreign body, she was discharged but presented again with stridor necessitating tracheostomy. Tracheal stenosis was found and required end-to-end anastomosis. The authors feel that, while foreign bodies are uncommon in this age group with emphysema as a rarer manifestation, this cause should be kept in mind, even in the absence of forthcoming history. A high index of suspicion for tracheobronchial foreign body is required in atypical presentations of acute pediatric respiratory distress.