ABSTRACT
To define the clinical spectrum of tracheobronchial straight metallic pin aspiration in adults, assess predisposing conditions, evaluate the efficacy of bronchoscopy, and determine the outcome and complications at the largest 2 hospitals in Jordan. Retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive clinical cases from 2 referrAl based medical centers [32 patients at King Hussein Medical Center [KHMC] and 28 patients at Al Basheer Hospital]. Medical records of adult patients [>13 years of age] who presented with history of straight metallic pin aspiration over 6-year period [July 2000 and July 2006] were analyzed. Clinico-radiological features and location of the pins were studied. The flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy [FFB] was used for foreign body [FB] identification and removal in all KHMC patients; video assisted rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia was used at Al Basheer Hospital. All patients were females<28 years of age. Fifty-six patients [93%] presented within the first 24 hours after aspiration. Medical history was suggestive of FB aspiration in all patients. Chest x-rays demonstrated the radio opaque pins in all patients. At bronchoscopy, the intermediate bronchus was the most common site of FB lodgment [62%]. Ninety-two percent of patients were discharged on the same day of the procedure. Tracheobronchial straight metallic pins are relatively frequent FB in Jordanian young females and can occur in a very specific clinical setting. Removal of these FBs can usually be accomplished successfully by FFB