ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Fishbone ingestion represents a common cause for emergency department (ED) referral. In the majority of cases, an observed fishbone can be easily retrieved in the clinic setting. An impacted fishbone in the throat, albeit uncommon, carries potential risks of life-threatening events. Unusual complications caused by a migrated fishbone, including deep neck abscess, airway obstruction, and major vessels injury, are greatly influenced by the type of ingested fishbone and time between onset and presentation. CASE REPORT: Here we report an unusual case of surgical subcutaneous emphysema after multiple attempts of purging to remove an ingested fishbone. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Fishbone foreign body is a common presentation to the ED. A thorough history and examination for the migratory foreign body is essential, as the complications are consequential.
Subject(s)
Foreign Bodies , Subcutaneous Emphysema , Abscess , Animals , Foreign Bodies/complications , Foreign Bodies/surgery , Humans , Neck , Seafood , Subcutaneous Emphysema/etiologyABSTRACT
Unilateral rhinorrhoea in the paediatric age group could be an alarming sign that warrants a clinician attention. These patients are routinely brought to see general practitioner as parents may not be aware of the urgency to intervene surgically. Herein we describe a case of a toddler who presented initially to a general practitioner with unilateral nasal discharge. He was subsequently referred to the otorhinolaryngology department for unresolved rhinitis. The child was examined, and the diagnosis of an embedded foreign body was made. X-ray of the paranasal sinus unveiled an embedded button battery. An emergency endoscopic retrieval of the button battery was performed under general anaesthesia. Unfortunately, the case was complicated with a huge septal perforation.
