Massive hemoptysis after aspiration of a toothpick.

Misra, Rajeev P; Dietl, Charles A · Ann Thorac Surg · 2011

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

A 42-year-old man presented with massive hemoptysis. His past medical history was significant for a bayonet injury to the left chest several years ago. A chest computed tomographic scan showed a radio-opaque foreign body in the left lower lobe. A left thoracotomy was performed because of unrelenting hemoptysis in association with a foreign body that could not be retrieved by bronchoscopy. At surgery, a toothpick covered with blood was retrieved from the left lower lobe bronchus. A left lower lobectomy was performed because a lung abscess was present. Postoperatively, the patient confirmed that 1 year prior he had fallen asleep with a toothpick in his mouth while intoxicated.

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