Principal diagnostic features of paediatric foreign body aspiration.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to identify the most common and important features within the presenting history, clinical examination and chest radiograph that are associated with foreign body (FB) aspiration in the paediatric population, to support rationalised decision making in regards to proceeding with diagnostic bronchoscopy. METHODS: A retrospective notes review was conducted of 70 patients over a 12-year period at our tertiary referral centre. Their presenting history, clinical and radiographic signs were documented and univariate logistic regression model used to calculate odds ratios. RESULTS: The main features identified within our cohort with a positive FB finding at bronchoscopy were history of a cough (OR 5.1, p = 0.008) and radiographic evidence of hyperinflation or air trapping (OR 7.1, p = 0.016). Zero patients with a FB presented with only a positive history in the absence of other clinical or radiological signs. History of a witnessed choking episode neither increased or decreased the likelihood of as aspirated FB (OR 1, p = 0.967). CONCLUSIONS: We have identified two principal features, as described above, which are associated with paediatric FB aspiration. Reliance on a positive clinical history alone, but specifically the history of a witnessed choking episode, did not support the presence of a FB and other associated signs need to be considered in deciding to proceed to bronchoscopy.

Brain imaging abnormalities in children with dysphagia with aspiration: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Head imaging is often performed in children with persistent dysphagia with aspiration to evaluate for Chiari malformations that may be associated with dysphagia. Unfortunately, the frequency of Chiari malformations or other head imaging abnormalities in children who aspirate is unknown. The goal of this study is to determine the frequency of head imaging abnormalities in children with evidence of aspiration or penetration on video fluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). SETTING: Tertiary Children's Hospital. METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis of children with a diagnosis of aspiration evaluated at our center from January 2010 through April 2021. In this study, we included children with VFSS confirmed aspiration or penetration, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed at our center, and without known genetic, congenital craniofacial, or neurologic abnormalities. RESULTS: Of the 977 patients evaluated in our system during that time with a diagnosis of aspiration, 185 children met the inclusion criteria. Eight children were diagnosed with Chiari malformations (4.3%) and 94 head MRIs were abnormal (51.4%). There was no difference in VFSS findings (frequency of aspiration, penetration, penetration-aspiration score, or recommended thickness of liquid) in children with a Chiari malformation versus other abnormalities or normal brain imaging. The majority of other non-Chiari brain imaging abnormalities were nonspecific. There was no difference in VFSS findings in children with abnormal MRI findings versus normal MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Brain imaging abnormalities are common in children who aspirate. Intervenable lesions are rare. Further studies are required to determine patients that will most likely benefit from brain imaging.

Risk of Aspiration Increased by Post-swallow Residue in Infant Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of aspiration associated with post-swallow residue subsites in Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in bottle-fed infants <1 year of age. METHODS: This is a retrospective matched-pairs cohort study at an academic tertiary children's hospital. FEES and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) trials performed within the same infant <5 days apart were paired by matching bolus consistency and bottle flow rate. Positive aspiration was defined by the "or rule" in which aspiration is positive when either FEES or VFSS within a matched pair is positive. RESULTS: Eighty-seven FEES-VFSS matched pairs from 29 patients (16 males; mean [SD] age, 2.9 [2.8] months) were included. The rate of positive aspiration, as defined by the "or rule", was 59% (51/87). In FEES, post-swallow pyriform sinus residue was present in 16% (14/87) and anterior commissure residue 27% (31/87). Risk of positive aspiration was increased by pyriform sinus residue (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-19.3, p < 0.01) and anterior commissure residue in FEES (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-6.1, p = 0.03). In the neonate subgroup, <1 month of age, multivariate-adjusted analysis showed that anterior commissure residue had better diagnostic accuracy for aspiration than in older infants (overall 70% vs. 42%, p < 0.01; sensitivity 60% vs. 10%, p < 0.01), whereas pyriform sinus residue had worse accuracy (overall 41% vs. 70%, p = 0.02; sensitivity 13% vs. 43%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pyriform sinus and anterior commissure residue during infant FEES were associated with fivefold and twofold increased risk of aspiration, respectively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3: Using a retrospective matched-pairs cohort, this study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of post-swallow residue in FEES for predicting aspiration. Laryngoscope, 134:1431-1436, 2024.

CT Scan in Children Suspected of Foreign Body Aspiration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography (CT) scans in the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration (FBA) in children, and to determine whether chest CT scans would reduce the need for diagnostic rigid bronchoscopies. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched for relevant articles and conference proceedings that were published in English through November 1, 2022. REVIEW METHODS: We included prospective and retrospective studies comparing chest CT scans and rigid bronchoscopy for the diagnosis of FBA in pediatric patients (<16 years old). The pooled estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of the chest CT scan in the diagnosis of FBA were calculated using a fixed- or common-effects analysis and a random-effects analysis that accounts for heterogeneity if present. Forest plots were constructed to combine the evidence identified during the systematic review. RESULTS: Eighteen articles (4178 patients) were included. The average age of the children was 2.26 (±0.75) years, and 65% (±5.64%) of them were boys. Cough was the most prevalent symptom upon presentation. The pooled analysis showed that the sensitivity of chest CT scan in detecting a foreign body in children was 99% (95% confidence interval, CI [97, 100]; I2 = 72%, τ2 = 0.0065, p < .01). The false negative rate was 1.8% (95% CI [0.3, 2.7]; I2 = 72%, p < .01). The specificity of chest CT scan was 92% (95% CI [83, 98]; I2 = 83%, τ2 = 0.0437, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Chest CT scan is a sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of FBA in the pediatric population. Its use can help to reduce unnecessary rigid bronchoscopies, especially in patients with a low clinical suspicion of aspiration. It should not be a replacement for the gold standard bronchoscopy, particularly in cases where there is a clear history and symptoms suggestive of aspiration.

Influence of frame rate in detecting oropharyngeal aspiration in paediatric videofluoroscopic swallow studies - An observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), currently the gold standard for assessing aspiration in children, incurs radiation. Adhering to the ALARA principle is crucial in minimising radiation dose whilst obtaining accurate diagnostic information in children. International adult VFSS guidelines recommend a capture rate of 30 frames per second (fps). Higher capture rates increase radiation yet there is limited evidence on best practice VFSS capture rates in children, particularly on thin fluid consistency-the fastest viscosity with the highest potential for missed aspiration on slower capture rates. We aimed to determine if image acquisition at 30fps versus 15fps alters the accuracy of detecting aspiration when assessing thin fluids during paediatric VFSS. MATERIALS & METHODS: Seventeen speech language pathologists (SLPs) blindly rated a total of 2,356 swallow loops for the presence/absence of aspiration from VFSS recordings of 13 infants/children drinking thin fluids. 76 swallow loops were randomly presented at 15 versus 30fps, on two occasions. Area under receiver operating curve (aROCs) was used to compare the accuracy of aspiration ratings at 15 versus 30fps compared to a comparison set. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to examine rater reliability. RESULTS: Accuracy for detecting aspiration was near-identical at 15fps (aROC:0.97; 95%CI:0.96-0.97) and 30fps (0.96; 95%CI 0.96-0.97). Good inter-rater (ICC:0.82; 95%CI:0.72-0.89) and intra-rater reliability among the raters (ICC:0.89; 95%CI:0.82-0.93) was found. CONCLUSION: Using 15fps in paediatric VFSS when assessing thin fluid consistency aspiration provides a similar detection rate to using 30fps. As 15fps would have a lower radiation dose than 30fps, we recommend using 15fps when undertaking VFSS in children. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Adhering to the ALARA principles, a capture rate of 15fps should be used in paediatric VFSS for assessment on thin fluids.

Diagnostic clues for the identification of pediatric foreign body aspirations and consideration of novel imaging techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To better understand the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration by elucidating key components of its clinical presentation. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with suspected foreign body aspiration. We collected information regarding demographics, history, symptoms, physical exam, imaging, and operative findings for rigid bronchoscopies. An evaluation of these findings for an association with foreign body aspiration and the overall diagnostic algorithm was performed. RESULTS: 518 pediatric patients presented with 75.2 % presenting within one day of the inciting event. Identified history findings included wheeze (OR: 5.83, p < 0.0001) and multiple encounters (OR: 5.46, p < 0.0001). Oxygen saturation was lower in patients with foreign body aspiration (97.3 %, p < 0.001). Identified physical exam findings included wheeze (OR: 7.38, p < 0.001) and asymmetric breath sounds (OR: 5.48, p < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of history findings was 86.7 % and 23.1 %, physical exam was 60.8 % and 88.4 %, and chest radiographs was 45.3 % and 88.0 %. 25 CT scans were performed with a sensitivity and specificity of 100 % and 85.7 %. Combining two components of the diagnostic algorithm yielded a high sensitivity and moderate specificity; the best combination was the history and physical exam. 186 rigid bronchoscopies were performed with 65.6 % positive for foreign body aspiration. CONCLUSION: Accurate diagnosis of foreign body aspiration requires careful history taking and examination. Low-dose CT should be included in the diagnostic algorithm. The combination of any two components of the diagnostic algorithm is the most accurate for foreign body aspiration.

Foreign body aspiration in two young infants: The devil in the carpet.

Foreign body aspiration is rare in children below 6 months of age. Very young children presenting with stridor, atypical croup presentation, and not responding accordingly, subglottic foreign body aspiration should be considered. These may not always be visible with bedside flexible endoscopy and may need investigation under anesthesia. We report two cases of devil's thorn aspiration in young infants. These children were left on the floor to play and devils thorn may be a danger lurking as the they have been deposited unknowingly by the shoes people wear and pick up by these young infants.

Progression of swallowing dysfunction and associated complications of dysphagia in a cohort of patients with serial videofluoroscopic swallow examinations.

OBJECTIVE: Dysphagia is a common symptom with associated complications ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening pulmonary compromise. Videofluoroscopic swallow is the 'gold standard' evaluation for oropharyngeal dysphagia, but little is known about how patients' performance changes over time. METHOD: This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating dysphagia patients' clinical course by serial videofluoroscopic swallow study. Univariate analysis followed by multivariate analysis were used to identify correlations between pneumonia outcomes, diet allocation, aetiology and comorbidities. RESULTS: This study identified 104 patients (53 per cent male) stratified into risk groups by penetration-aspiration scale scores. Mean penetration-aspiration scale worsened over time (p < 0.05), but development of pneumonia was not associated with worsened penetration-aspiration scale score over time (p = 0.57) or severity of dysphagia (p = 0.88). CONCLUSION: Our dataset identified a large cohort of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia and demonstrated mean penetration-aspiration scale tendency to worsen. Identifying prognostic factors associated with worsening radiological findings and applying this to patients at risk of clinical swallowing difficulty is needed.

Prediction of gastric fluid volume by ultrasonography in infants undergoing general anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasonography can estimate gastric contents and volume to assess the risk of pulmonary aspiration; however, its use in infants has not been well validated. We aimed to develop a predictive model for estimating gastric fluid volume using ultrasonography in infants. METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled 200 infants (≤12 months) undergoing general anaesthesia. After anaesthetic induction, while preserving spontaneous respiration, we measured gastric antral cross-sectional area using ultrasonography in both the supine and right lateral decubitus positions. We then suctioned the gastric content and measured its volume. The primary outcome was development of a gastric fluid volume prediction model with multiple regression analysis. Agreement between the predicted volume and the suctioned volume was evaluated using a Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: Overall, 192 infants were included in the final analysis. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the gastric antral cross-sectional area in the supine (P<0.001; correlation coefficient: 0.667) and right lateral decubitus (P<0.001; correlation coefficient: 0.845) positions and qualitative antral grade (P<0.001; correlation coefficient: 0.581) correlated with suctioned volume. We developed a predictive model: predicted volume (ml)=-3.7+6.5 × (right lateral decubitus cross-sectional area [cm2])-3.9 (supine cross-sectional area [cm2])+1.7 × grade (P<0.01). When comparing the predicted volume and suctioned volume, the mean bias was 0.01 ml kg-1 and the limit of agreement was -0.58 to 0.62 ml kg-1. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric fluid volume can be estimated using a predictive model based on ultrasonography data in infants. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03155776.

Different types of dysphagia alleviated by the chin-down position.

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) evaluations of pharyngeal swallowing were used to evaluate the types of dysphagia alleviated by the chin-down maneuver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 64 patients who underwent VFSS evaluations during neutral and chin-down maneuvers presenting specifically penetration or aspiration. The assessment of the VFSS movie clips of each maneuver was performed using parameters of the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP) and the presence and degree of airway invasion(PDAI) by three blinded raters in the following five subcategorized groups, 1. patietns presenting penetration or aspiration during swallow 2. after swallow, patients of 3. head and neck, 4. digestive and 5. neuromuscular disorders, respectively. The scores registered for the two maneuvers were statistically compared. Additionally, we examined statistically which factors had the impact on the improvement of the PDAI using fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Compared with the neutral position, PDAI, pharyngeal constriction, anterior hyoid movement, pharyngeal constriction, laryngeal elevation, laryngeal closure, upper esophageal sphincter opening, initiation of the pharyngeal swallow, and pharyngeal clearance in pyriform sinus were significantly (p < 0.01-0.05) improved with the chin-down maneuver. In a subcategory comparison with group 1, 3 and 4, the PDAI improved significantly (p < 0.01) with the chin-down maneuver, in which laryngeal elevation and laryngeal closure had statistically the impact (p < 0.01-0.05) on improvement of PDAI. CONCLUSION: The chin-down maneuver was most effective in improving swallow function when the impairment included penetration and aspiration during swallow caused by inadequate laryngeal elevation and laryngeal closure.

Transesophageal echocardiography-associated tracheal microaspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia in intubated critically ill patients: a multicenter prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Microaspiration of gastric and oropharyngeal secretions is the main causative mechanism of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a routine investigation tool in intensive care unit and could enhance microaspiration. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of TEE on microaspiration and VAP in intubated critically ill adult patients. METHODS: It is a four-center prospective observational study. Microaspiration biomarkers (pepsin and salivary amylase) concentrations were quantitatively measured on tracheal aspirates drawn before and after TEE. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with TEE-associated microaspiration, defined as: (1) ≥ 50% increase in biomarker concentration between pre-TEE and post-TEE samples, and (2) a significant post-TEE biomarker concentration (> 200 µg/L for pepsin and/or > 1685 IU/L for salivary amylase). Secondary endpoints included the development of VAP within three days after TEE and the evolution of tracheal cuff pressure throughout TEE. RESULTS: We enrolled 100 patients (35 females), with a median age of 64 (53-72) years. Of the 74 patients analyzed for biomarkers, 17 (23%) got TEE-associated microaspiration. However, overall, pepsin and salivary amylase levels were not significantly different between before and after TEE, with wide interindividual variability. VAP occurred in 19 patients (19%) within 3 days following TEE. VAP patients had a larger tracheal tube size and endured more attempts of TEE probe introduction than their counterparts but showed similar aspiration biomarker concentrations. TEE induced an increase in tracheal cuff pressure, especially during insertion and removal of the probe. CONCLUSIONS: We could not find any association between TEE-associated microaspiration and the development of VAP during the three days following TEE in intubated critically ill patients. However, our study cannot formally rule out a role for TEE because of the high rate of VAP observed after TEE and the limitations of our methods.

An unwitnessed case of foreign body aspiration of barium from an unknown source.

Foreign body (FB) aspiration is potentially life-threatening in children. A variety of sources and objects have been noted in aspiration events with possible complications ranging from mild to life-threatening. While rare, barium aspiration can cause severe complications, and removal is particularly challenging. Complications of retained barium include acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonitis, sepsis, even death. Regardless of the foreign body's identity, substance removal is critical in management. Resourcefulness of removal techniques and an interdisciplinary approach may allow for maximally effective management. We present a case of a pediatric barium aspiration from an unknown source and review evaluation and management strategies.

Exploring the utility of fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in young children- A comparison with videofluoroscopy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: In adults, fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) has established its place in the assessment of dysphagia and aspiration vis-à-vis the current gold standard, videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), almost at parity. However, in children with quite a different set of factors in play, its role is not certain. The primary objective was to measure the accuracy of FEES in young children with dysphagia, compared to VFSS. The secondary objective was to correlate other endoscopic findings with aspiration in videofluoroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-five children, aged 0.4-36 months with suspected oropharyngeal dysphagia and aspiration underwent FEES and VFSS. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy and diagnostic agreement of FEES were calculated using VFSS as the gold standard. To test the statistical significance of the difference in two measurements, Mc Nemar's Chi-square test was used and to test the agreement between FEES and VFSS, Kappa value was calculated. To test the statistical significance of the association of endoscopic findings with VFSS findings, Chi-square test was used. RESULTS: FEES performed in young children was found to be less sensitive (50%) but more specific of aspiration (82%) with an accuracy of 77% in comparison with VFSS. The reverse was true of penetration (81%, 44% and 59% respectively). The agreement between FEES and VFSS in young children, on all parameters were low (k = 0.061-0.302). Endoscopic findings such as glottic secretions (P = 0.02), weak or diminished laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR) (P = 0.001) and penetration (P = 0.01) were significantly associated with aspiration in VFSS. Excessive secretions in the hypopharynx had a stronger correlation with oesophageal dysmotility (P = 0.02) than pharyngeal dysphagia (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: FEES in young children appears to have a low agreement with VFSS unlike in adults. Aspiration observed in FEES is likely to be significant since specificity is high. FEES negative for aspiration may be interpreted taking into account, the aspiration risk of the subject and/or other endoscopic risk factors (penetration, weak/absent LAR & glottic secretions), if VFSS is not a viable alternative.

Application of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the removal of adult airway foreign bodies.

BACKGROUND: Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a rapid, cost effective and safe procedure. AIM: To analyze demographic information and endoscopic findings in adult patients with airway foreign body aspiration and its removal. METHODS: Fifty-seven adults (40 males, 17 females; average age 40 years old) with airway foreign body aspiration were analyzed. Cough (37, 65%) was the most common clinical presentation. The most common foreign body was bone followed by dental prosthesis and food debris. RESULTS: In the current study, 42 out of the 57 (74%) airway foreign bodies were successfully removed under flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. However, it was failed in 15 patients and thus, rigid bronchoscopy was used to remove foreign bodies successfully in 13 of the 15 patients. Thoracotomy was performed for the 2 patients whose foreign body removal was unsuccessful even with rigid bronchoscopy. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study revealed that flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a safe and effective procedure for the removal of adult airway foreign bodies in the majority of cases. Rigid bronchoscopy can be a backup procedure in case flexible bronchoscopy is failed.

Association Between Pharyngeal Pooling and Aspiration Using Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Dysphagia.

Postswallow pharyngeal pooling may be a risk factor for tracheal aspiration. However, limited literature shows the potential association between pharyngeal pooling and aspiration in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. This study investigates the relationship between postswallow pharyngeal pooling and aspiration in HNC patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. Furthermore, the effects of tumor stage, tumor location, and cancer treatment on aspiration were examined. Ninety dysphagic HNC patients underwent a standardized fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) using thin and thick liquid boluses. For each swallow, three visuoperceptual ordinal variables were scored: postswallow vallecular pooling, postswallow pyriform sinus pooling, and aspiration. Logistic regression analyses with correction for the location of pooling, tumor stage, tumor location, and cancer treatment were performed to explore the association between pooling and aspiration. No significant association was found between postswallow vallecular pooling and aspiration for thin liquid. However, severe versus mild-to-moderate postswallow vallecular pooling of thick liquid was significantly associated to aspiration. Similar results were seen after correction for the presence of pyriform sinus pooling, tumor stage, tumor location, or type of cancer treatment. This study showed a significant association between severe postswallow pyriform sinus pooling of thick liquid and aspiration, independent of the presence of vallecular pooling, tumor stage, tumor location, or cancer treatment. Concluding, location (valleculae versus pyriform sinuses), liquid bolus consistency (thin versus thick liquid), and amount of postswallow pharyngeal pooling (no pooling, mild/moderate pooling, severe pooling) have an influence on the probability of aspiration in dysphagic HNC patients, and they should be carefully considered during FEES, even in the absence of aspiration during the examination.

Aspiration in the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Associated with an Increased Risk of Mortality in a Cohort of Patients Suspected of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia.

There is a general lack of published studies on the risk of mortality due to alterations in the safety of swallowing detected during the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). We aimed at assessing the risk of mortality of the detection of aspiration, penetration, and pharyngeal residues by FEES. A cohort of consecutively evaluated patients suspected of experiencing oropharyngeal dysphagia undergoing FEES at a tertiary care university hospital were prospectively followed up on to assess mortality. The FEES findings, comorbidities, and potential confounders were studied as predictors of death using a Cox multivariate regression analysis. A total of 148 patients were included, 85 of whom were male (57.4%). The mean age (± standard deviation) was 52.7 years (± 22.1). The median of the follow-up time was 4.5 years. The most frequent conditions were stroke in 50 patients (33.8%), brain and spine traumas in 27 (18.2%), and neurodegenerative diseases in 19 (12.8%). Variables associated with mortality in bivariate analyses were age > 65 years (p < 0.001), pneumonia (p = 0.046), aspiration of any consistency (p < 0.001), and pharyngeal residues (p = 0.017). Variables independently associated with mortality in the Cox multivariate model were age (> 65 years) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 5.76; 95% CI 2.72 to 17.19; p = 0.001] and aspiration (adjusted HR: 3.96; 95% CI 1.82 to 14.64; p = 0.003). Aspiration detected by FEES and an age > 65 years are independent predictors of mortality in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

A 65-Year-Old Man with Pulmonary Opacities and Worsening Cough.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old man was referred for evaluation of several years of chest congestion and cough productive of yellow sputum as well as recently noted abnormalities on chest imaging. He denied dyspnea, weight loss, fevers, chills, or hemoptysis. He had no history of systemic illness, pneumonia, other respiratory illness, gastroesophageal reflux, or sinusitis. He had a remote smoking history. He worked as a railroad conductor and had occupational exposure to asbestos, as well as to other uncharacterized dusts and fumes. The patient spent most of his life in Washington and California and regularly traveled through the California Central Valley. Other travel history included trips to Southeast Asia, Iceland, and Europe in the remote past. The patient had one dog but no exposure to other animals. His only medication was loratadine, taken daily for allergic rhinitis. He applied petroleum jelly to his nares nightly to moisturize his nasal passages.