Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema is an extremely rare presenting feature of foreign body aspiration. We report a case of foreign body aspiration in the left main bronchus of an 8-year-old boy, which remained undetected for 6 months. Eventually he presented dramatically with extensive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and subsequent acute upper airway obstruction.

Key words: Foreign body aspiration, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, paediatric airway