Endotracheal foreign bodies. Difficulties in diagnosis.

The diagnosis of foreign body aspiration into the lower airway depends primarily on the radiographic demonstration of partial bronchial obstruction causing localized air trapping or atelectasis, present in 95 per cent of the cases. Endotracheal foreign bodies may often be visualized directly on high kilovoltage radiographs of the airway of the airway or by fluoroscopy. In three of the four cases presented in this report, radiologic evaluation was normal, but endotracheal foreign bodies were subsequently demonstrated endoscopically. Foreign objects may remain in the trachea for prolonged periods of time, causing persistent coughing, wheezing, or stridor. When there is a clear history or strong suspicion of foreign body aspiration in a patient with persistent symptoms, bronchoscopy should be used for diagnosis and treatment.