Hypopharyngeal Perforation Following Foreign Body Ingestion: A Case Report

Foreign body ingestion is a common complaint frequently seen in otolaryngology. Some sharp foreign bodies may get impacted in the aerodigestive tract causing a perforation. However, hypopharyngeal perforation is a rare injury that needs early recognition due to its significant morbidity. In this case report, we report a case of hypopharyngeal perforation caused by foreign body ingestion in an adult patient. A 60-year old female presented with a foreign body sensation in the throat, dysphagia, and odynophagia. A neck CT scan showed a foreign body in the hypopharynx with a collection of free air along the posterior pharyngeal wall. She underwent laryngoscopy and esophagoscopy for examination and foreign body removal. Following the procedure, the patient was treated conservatively for a week and then discharged home in a stable condition. Hypopharyngeal perforation following foreign body ingestion is uncommon. A high index of suspicion is required to reach an early diagnosis and treatment.