A subglottic foreign body mimicking croup: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Foreign body (FB) aspiration is one of the causes of respiratory distress in infants is an extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening event. The diagnosis of FB aspiration is difficult because the signs and symptoms vary according to the degree of airway blockage or location of the FB.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 11-month-old female infant visited a hospital because of a sudden onset cough. She was relatively healthy without fever, rhinorrhea cyanosis, or poor feeding. On physical examination, auscultation revealed inspiratory stridor without wheezing and crackles.

DIAGNOSIS

Croup was suspected when considering the history, physical examination, and imaging. However, she did not respond to a 4-day course of treatment for croup. Flexible laryngoscopic examination was performed, and we identified a thin, flat, and sharp FB embedded in the subglottic region.

INTERVENTIONS

Emergency surgery was performed to remove the FB. Short-term intravenous corticosteroids and antibiotics were used to prevent laryngeal swelling and aspiration pneumonia.

OUTCOMES

One week after the procedure, the laryngeal mucosa had completely healed.

CONCLUSION

FB aspiration should be considered in an infant with an impression of croup. In particular, if there is no response to medical or conservative treatment for croup, further evaluation is needed.