Role of Plain Xray Soft Tissue Neck Lateral View in the diagnosis of Cervical Esophageal Foreign Bodies

Abstract

Objective: To assess the role of x-ray soft tissue neck lateral view in patients presenting with cervical esophageal foreign bodies. Materials and Methods: A prospective study, in patients with suspected foreign bodies in the esophagus, was conducted in ENT department, TUTH, April 2004 to July 2008. All patients underwent x-ray soft tissue neck lateral view at the time of presentation. Findings of hypopharyngoscopy/ upper esophagoscopy were analysed using Chi Square (χ2) and different signs were compared by Z test of proportion. Results: Out of 230 patients, 51.3% were children. There were 84.4% patients with positive finding on x-ray. Soft signs were seen in 16.1% while foreign body was visualized in 53.9% patients. Foreign body along with soft sign was visualized in 14.3% patients. Conclusion: Overall sensitivity of x-ray soft tissue neck was 84.4% in diagnosing foreign body esophagus. Plain x-ray soft tissue neck lateral view is a cheap, easy and non invasive investigation to identify foreign body esophagus.