Unsuspected swallowing of a partial denture

Abstract

We report a case of a swallowed partial denture in a 51-year-old man who presented with progressive dysphagia, odynophagia, and fevers. Imaging studies were initially interpreted as supra-glottis with laryngeal inflammation, which was confirmed by direct visualization with flexible endoscopy. Despite appropriate therapy, the patient's symptoms persisted and rigid laryngoscopy was performed, which revealed a partial denture in the hypopharynx and upper esophagus. The subtle imaging appearance of a swallowed denture is discussed.