Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Suspected Airway Foreign Bodies

The prompt diagnosis of foreign body aspiration (FBA) in children is essential to avoid complications such as postobstructive pneumonia and bronchiectasis. The conventional approach of diagnosing FBA by clinical history, physical examination, and chest radiography is limited by the modest sensitivity and specificity of these techniques, and diagnostic laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy is limited by operative risks and high costs. Chest computed tomography is highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of FBA and for conditions that can mimic the clinical presentation of FBA. The judicious use of chest computed tomography in selected children with suspected FBA can help achieve a favorable balance between the risks of ionizing radiation, misdiagnosis, and negative diagnostic laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy.