Friday, March 25, 2005

Q10: I swallowed it!



A 70-yr old woman presents with sudden choking sensation and painful swallowing after a meal.

What radiograph is this?

Describe the abnormality.

What is your diagnosis?

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:23 PM

    this is a lateral soft tissue neck xray. there appears to be a foreign body lodged in the patient's esophagus, probably her dentures.

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  2. Correct. A soft tissue lateral neck X-ray. (You can tell by the clear outline of prevertebral soft tissue shadow seen here.)

    The appearance of wires (radio-opaque) in the esophagus (behind tracheal gas column) AND in the oral cavity is a give-away.

    Dentures they are. Only they may not be hers! Always check the mate/spouse's mouth if in doubt! ;)

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  3. Anonymous11:10 PM

    It is situated at C6 & C7 levels, that is cricopharyngeal level and slightly below. If it is slightly higher, probably your anaethesist can remove it for you.

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  4. Anonymous11:18 PM

    And remember to remove the lower denture before you attempt to retrieve the swallowed deture.

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