TITLE:
Massive Asymptomatic Pleural Effusion Discovered Incidentally Following Ingestion of a Foreign Body: An Exceptional Curiosity Concerning a Case at Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH)
AUTHORS:
Nyanit Bob Dorcas, Biwole Biwole Daniel Claude Patrick, Arroye Betou Fabrice Stéphane, Oponde Dieudonne Njibili, Eya Mvondo Eric Stéphane, Mamadou Gaddafi, Ndongo René, Essomba Arthur, Mouafo Tambo Faustin
KEYWORDS:
Esophageal Foreign Body, Asymptomatic Hydro-Pneumothorax, Incidental Finding
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.3,
March
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Hydropneumothorax is a serious respiratory condition, the cause of which can be simple (common viral infection) or complex (tumour, trauma, etc.), often revealed by respiratory distress syndrome. We report a case of a 13-year-old patient who presented with hypersalivation following accidental ingestion of nail. There were no respiratory symptoms. Physical examination revealed a hemodynamically stable patient, no signs of respiratory distress. A cervico-thoracic X-ray performed revealed a foreign body at the thoracic esophagus, removal was attempted using esophagoscopy without success. Foreign body was reportedly expelled in stool and a control radiograph performed to confimed expulsion revealed a left sided hydropneumothorax. A CT scan oral contrast with methylene blue dye was performed which ruled out a pleuro-esophageal fistula. Patient was managed with thoracic drainage and discharged after five days with good progress. We report this completely asymptomatic case, which was revealed during an investigation into a foreign body sensation.