Aspiration of the dental crown in an elderly patient

Stepwise diagnostic algorithm for high-attenuation pulmonary abnormalities on CT

High-attenuation pulmonary abnormalities are commonly seen on CT. These findings are increasingly encountered with the growing number of CT examinations and the wide availability of thin-slice images. The abnormalities include benign lesions, such as infectious granulomatous diseases and metabolic diseases, and malignant tumors, such as lung cancers and metastatic tumors. Due to the wide spectrum of diseases, the proper diagnosis of high-attenuation abnormalities can be challenging. The assessment of these abnormal findings requires scrutiny, and the treatment is imperative. Our proposed stepwise diagnostic algorithm consists of five steps. Step 1: Establish the presence or absence of metallic artifacts. Step 2: Identify associated nodular or mass-like soft tissue components. Step 3: Establish the presence of solitary or multiple lesions if identified in Step 2. Step 4: Ascertain the predominant distribution in the upper or lower lungs if not identified in Step 2. Step 5: Identify the morphological pattern, such as linear, consolidation, nodular, or micronodular if not identified in Step 4. These five steps to diagnosing high-attenuation abnormalities subdivide the lesions into nine categories. This stepwise radiologic diagnostic approach could help to narrow the differential diagnosis for various pulmonary high-attenuation abnormalities and to achieve a precise diagnosis.Critical relevance statement Our proposed stepwise diagnostic algorithm for high-attenuation pulmonary abnormalities may help to recognize a variety of those high-attenuation findings, to determine whether the associated diseases require further investigation, and to guide appropriate patient management. Key points • To provide a stepwise diagnostic approach to high-attenuation pulmonary abnormalities.• To familiarize radiologists with the varying cause of high-attenuation pulmonary abnormalities.• To recognize which high-attenuation abnormalities require scrutiny and prompt treatment.

Foreign body aspirations in dental clinics: a narrative review

Foreign body aspiration can produce a medical emergency. Obstruction of the airways can be life-threatening, and complications may develop in less-severe cases if it is left untreated. Although it is more prevalent in children by approximately three times, adults can still experience it, and it is more frequently related to healthcare in adults. Objects used in dental treatment are usually placed in the oral cavity and can be ingested or inhaled by accident. Dental treatment has been identified as an important cause of the misplacement of foreign bodies in the airway. However, few reports have been published on dentistry-related foreign body aspiration. This paper discusses the disease course, management, and clinical outcomes of foreign body aspiration, especially those associated with dentistry. The patient must be examined for respiratory distress. If the patient is unstable, urgent airway management and the maneuvers for removal should be performed. Radiographs and computed tomography can help identify and locate the object. The treatment of choice is often bronchoscopy, and both flexible and rigid endoscopes can be used depending on the situation. Preventive measures need to be implemented to avoid inhalation accidents given the potential consequences. Though the incidence is rare, healthcare levels need to be enhanced to avert morbidity and mortality. Radiological evaluation and bronchoscopy are vital for management.

Aspiration of dental items: Case report with literature review and proposed management algorithm

The aim of this present study is to describe a case of a screwdriver implant aspiration removed with flexible bronchoscopy. This study reviewed the current literature and the authors also proposed an airway management algorithm in case of suspected foreign body aspiration during dental procedures. A review of English-language literature of aspiration of objects after clinical dental practice from 1984 to 2021 was performed. The bronchoscopy was the main method for dental items removal. A total of 57 cases from the literature were enrolled in this study. Aspiration of dental crown and prostheses (43.85%) followed by implant material (19.29%) and tooth (15.78%) were the main aspirated items. Prevention is the better way to avoid this type of complication. Early diagnosis facilitates the removal of foreign body and bronchoscopy is considered the treatment of choice for removal of foreign body aspiration. Also, regular professional training in basic life support is required.