Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe an atypical and severe evolution of foreign body aspiration in a pediatric patient. INTRODUCTION: The foreign body aspiration is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric age group. Its symptoms are varied and may evolve asymptomatically to acute respiratory failure. Due to the difficult identification, in its suspicion, it must be highly investigated. CASE REPORT: Infant, 1 year old, male, presenting dyspnea for 48 hours, progressing with unmeasured fever. He sought medical attention and, during the anamnesis, the hypothesis of foreign body aspiration was raised. Chest radiography was performed with no findings. Patient was referred to the referral hospital for better investigation. During transportation, he developed respiratory failure. Upon arrival, initial stabilization measures and repeated radiography which showed veiling of the left hemithorax with mediastinal deviation, characterizing atelectasis in the left lung and hyperinflation in the right. Intubated and performed an emergency bronchoscopy that showed foreign body (corn) in a left bronchophon. After removal, a new radiograph was performed with complete resolution of the condition. The patient remained hospitalized for the treatment of pneumonia caused by complications of the presence of a foreign body. CONCLUSION: With this report, we intend to emphasize the possible complications after foreign body aspiration and reinforce its investigation when the diagnosis is suspected even when radiological findings are not compatible, as initially the case. As a public health measure, we seek to reinforce preventive measures in order to promote a reduction in the number of cases mentioned in this report.