Incidental Discovery of a Hyperdense Esophageal Foreign Body in a Patient with an Unknown Origin of Pneumomediastinum: A Case Report
Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery,
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2025),
5 May 2025
https://doi.org/10.22037/orlfps.v11i1.49014
Abstract
Background: Esophageal perforations can lead to air entering the mediastinum, resulting in pneumomediastinum and potentially life-threatening complications. Prompt identification and management of foreign bodies are critical in such cases.
Case Presentation: This case presents the incidental discovery of a hyperdense foreign body in the middle two-thirds of a patient’s esophagus, identified on computed tomography (CT) imaging following a prior diagnosis of pneumomediastinum of unknown origin. The foreign body’s potential involvement in the pneumomediastinum presented diagnostic and management challenges for the medical team, as the patient had no prior history of ingesting a foreign object. Further investigation into the patient’s dietary habits, coupled with the CT findings, ultimately revealed that the hyperdense object was bubble gum.
Conclusion: The hyperdense appearance of bubble gum on X-ray and CT scans resembles bone, making it difficult to distinguish without a detailed patient history. Although no causal relationship between the foreign body and the pneumomediastinum was identified, this case underscores the significance of meticulous imaging evaluation and the necessity of considering both prevalent and uncommon etiologies during the diagnostic process.
- Bubble gum; Foreign Body; Pneumomediastinum.
How to Cite
References
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