Foreign
Body Aspiration
Clinical:
Most aspirated foreign bodies are located within the right mainstem bronchus because of it?s large diameter and more vertical orientation compared to the left main bronchus [1].
X-ray:
Findings on CXR include ipsilateral pulmonary hyperinflation due to air-trapping from a ball-valve phenomena or post-obstructive atelectasis [1]. The CXR may appear normal in 20-35% of children. In older cooperative children, inspiratory and expiratory images may demonstrate failure of the affected lung to collapse at expiration [1]. In younger children, a lateral decubitus film will show failure of the affected lung to collapse when dependent [1].
REFERENCES:
(1) Radiographics 2011; Dillman JR, et al. Expanding upon the unilateral hyperlucent hemithorax in children. 31: 723-741
