Cricoid cartilage ossification confuse as an oesophageal foreign body: a case report

Abstract

Ossification of laryngeal cartilages usually begins at the age of 20 years in males and at the age of 22 years in females. Ossification in the cricoid cartilage begins from behind to forward. Oesophagus is one of the most common sites for the foreign body. The most common cause of impaction in adults is a meat bolus. A case of 37 years female presented with feeling of pricking sensation in the throat after eating chicken meat which was associated with difficulty in deglutition. X-ray of the neck in antero-posterior view and lateral view was done which showed radio-opaque shadow in front of C6 vertebrae. Rigid oesophagoscopy under general anesthesia was done based on clinical and radiological findings. On rigid oesophagoscopy, foreign body was not seen except minimal injury on the mucosal wall which was 15 cm from the upper incisors. What we can conclude from our case is that, it is always better to confirm a diagnosis of suspected foreign oesophagus with a CT-Scan or Upper GI endoscopy if available to avoid an unnecessary interventions and suffering of patients.