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Figure 1. Posteroanterior radiograph revealing a foreign body in the cricopharyngeal region.

The posteroanterior chest x-ray film confirmed the offending object to be resting in the cricopharyngeal region. The lateral x-ray film suggested the pin was in the esophagus, not the trachea. The patient was taken to the operating room without delay, where general anesthesia was induced and intravenous access was established. Endotracheal intubation was performed after direct laryngoscopy confirmed the upper airway was clear. With the airway protected, a laryngoscope was used to visualize the pin trapped at the level of the cricopharyngeus muscle. Because it was clearly visible, the object was retrieved using a small McGill forceps. Subsequent inspection of the cervical esophagus using rigid esophagoscopy revealed normal mucosa except for scant bleeding where the pin had been stuck. Rigid bronchoscopy also revealed no evidence of bronchial injury or other foreign body. The patient recovered uneventfully. He was admitted to the hospital for observation and discharged the next morning without any appreciable sequelae.

Ingested and aspirated foreign bodies are precarious and all too common in the pediatric population. Peak incidence occurs between 9 and 24 months of age.² Ingested foreign bodies are most commonly found in the upper third of the esophagus, specifically at the level of the cricopharyngeus.^3,4 The cricopharyngeal region within the cervical esophagus represents the most superior of the esophageal narrowings and is the single most common site for foreign body impaction related to ingestion.^5,6

The extent of damage from esophageal foreign bodies can range from abrasions and lacerations to perforation. Esophageal impaction can also lead to tracheal compression. Perforation may occur at any level; however, the region near the cricopharyngeus is among the most vulnerable.⁶ A foreign body with sharp or protruding edges, such as the angel pin described herein, may become impaled in the mucosa. Such objects must be disengaged from the mucosa before withdrawal is attempted to minimize the risk of perforation.^6,7

A reliable history of the events surrounding any suspected aspiration or ingestion of a foreign body is important, particularly with respect to identifying the foreign body and the patient's symptoms following the acute event.⁸ A classic history of ingestion may include an acute choking episode, followed by coughing, drooling, or pain. Drooling is an important finding suggestive of serious compromise within the aerodigestive tract.^2,3

Without debate, patients with airway compromise require immediate interventions to establish a protected airway. Because this child was crying, with a patent airway, no such intervention was immediately necessary, although continuous observation for any sign of deterioration was essential. In this setting, confirmation of the presence and location of an ingested foreign body relies on radiographic evidence. Ingested foreign bodies are generally radiopaque. Their size, shape, and location can usually be identified in posteroanterior and lateral plain x-ray films of the upper aerodigestive tract. An incomplete history and clinical suspicion or a report of choking mandates radiologic assessment of the chest and abdomen in posteroanterior and lateral views.¹

These patients should be treated by a physician experienced in foreign body removal.¹ Although there are several techniques described for the removal of foreign bodies impacted in the cervical esophagus, the safest and most efficient method is rigid esophagoscopy, performed under general endotracheal anesthesia, with the airway protected.^2,5

We thank Raul L. Hernandez for his technical expertise in preparing the image for this article.

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the Department of Defense, or the US government.

Corresponding author and reprints: MAJ Evan M. Renz, MC, USA, Department of Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, 5005 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79920-5001 (e-mail: evan.renz@cen.amedd.army.mil).