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.