A Chronic Lung Cavity Concealing an Unsuspected Foreign Body Aspiration in a Child
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Delayed foreign body aspiration (FBA) mimicking a lung abscess is rare in children. CASE PRESENTATION: A 3-year-old girl presented with fever, cough, and a cavitary lung lesion initially diagnosed as lung abscess. Poor response to antibiotics prompted bronchoscopy, which revealed a pumpkin seed shell fragment causing obstruction and granulation. History revealed a choking episode eight months prior. RESULTS: The foreign body was removed bronchoscopically, and the patient recovered fully. CONCLUSIONS: Occult FBA should be considered in children with focal cavitary lung lesions, especially when unresponsive to antibiotics for lung abscess.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Foreign Body Medical Cases
Dysphagia Assessment and Management
Medical Imaging and Pathology Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Volume
- 61
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- e71536–e71536
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN