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Open Access 18-10-2024 | Computed Tomography | Review

Has the cat got your tongue, or is something obstructing your throat? A review of imaging of ingested and aspirated foreign bodies in the paediatric population

Authors: Ola Kvist, Juan Pablo Garcia

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 13/2024

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Abstract

Children frequently swallow or inhale foreign objects, a situation that can be life-threatening. Radiographic imaging plays a lead role in the early identification and location of inhaled or swallowed objects is essential. Promptly identifying and locating inhaled or swallowed objects are essential, as some items require immediate removal. For example, button batteries in the throat can cause grave harm; magnets can attract each other through the gut and cause perforations; and other objects can obstruct the airway or intestinal tract. Radiologists must understand how these objects appear in images to assist doctors in treating patients effectively. Recognising signs of inhaled objects on radiographs is also crucial, as symptoms may not always be clear, and many inhaled objects are not visible on radiographs. Radiographs are the primary means of checking for swallowed or inhaled objects, although other tests like fluoroscopy and computed tomography may be used in complex cases. Doctors working with children should be acquainted with the appearance of these common objects on images and their clinical importance.

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Metadata
Title
Has the cat got your tongue, or is something obstructing your throat? A review of imaging of ingested and aspirated foreign bodies in the paediatric population
Authors
Ola Kvist
Juan Pablo Garcia
Publication date
18-10-2024
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Pediatric Radiology / Issue 13/2024
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-024-06068-3

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