Radiology – Integrated Training Initiative (R-ITI) | Paediatrics | Inhaled Foreign Body

Inhaled Foreign Body
Session Overview
Description
This session reviews the role of imaging in suspected inhalation of a foreign body in children.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Define the role of imaging in this condition
• Recognise the radiological features of inhaled foreign bodies
• List the limitations of plain radiography
• List additional imaging strategies that may be useful
• Remember to recognise that normal imaging is compatible with an inhaled foreign body

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should have:

• Knowledge of the normal appearances of chest radiographs in infants
• An understanding of technical factors that influence the appearance of paediatric chest radiographs

In this session, we will look at the imaging of inhalation of foreign bodies in infants and young children, and the role of imaging in their management.

We will look at the following topics:

• The anatomy of the major airways
• The clinical sequelae of inhalation of a foreign body
• The radiographic appearances of acute and chronic foreign body inhalation
• The role of supplementary imaging: fluoroscopy and decubitus radiographs
• Complications of foreign body inhalation
• Treatment of inhaled foreign bodies