Loss of Cervical Lordosis and Foreign Body Ingestion

Abstract

Objective: In this retrospective study, we look at the sensitivity and specificity of the loss of cervical lordosis as a radiological sign for the presence of a foreign body in the aerodigestive tract.

Method: A total of 39 cases of foreign body ingestion, confirmed with positive surgical removal in the emergency department and operating theatre were reviewed. All 39 had lateral neck x-rays performed in the Emergency department.

Results: Of the 39 cases, 36 had loss of cervical lordosis on lateral neck x-ray. All had foreign bodies removed that were between C4 and T level. Therefore, the sensitivity of the loss of cervical lordosis as a sign of the presence of a foreign body in the aerodigestive tract in this study is 92.31%.

Conclusion: We conclude that the loss of cervical lordosis is a good sign for the presence of a foreign body in the aerodigestive tract, and we should have a high index of suspicion in these cases despite negative clinical examination.