Unusual Presentation of Sand Aspiration in a 14-mo-Old Child

Abstract

Accidental sand aspiration is an unusual but potentially life-threatening condition in children. Sand aspiration often occurs in cases of near drowning and accidental burial in sand. The authors report a case of accidental sand aspiration in a 14-mo-old girl while she was playing with sand. Though child was symptomatic and chest radiograph was showing obstructive emphysema initially, there was spontaneous resolution of radiographic findings and clinical condition within 48 h. Child was treated conservatively and was discharged. Follow up examination after 2 mo revealed persistent wheeze but no respiratory distress. Computed tomography (CT) of thorax was done which revealed a small sand particle measuring 0.2 × 0.4 × 0.3 cm in left main bronchus and was removed via rigid bronchoscopy. This report underscores the importance of performing bronchoscopy in all cases of suspected foreign body aspirations.