# Occult Endobronchial Foreign Body Presenting as Persistent Lobar Collapse and Severe Pneumonia

## TL;DR

A rare case of an adult with persistent lung collapse and pneumonia was caused by an undetected foreign object in the airway.

## Contribution

Highlights the importance of considering foreign body aspiration in adults with unexplained lung conditions.

## Key findings

- An occult endobronchial foreign body was identified as the cause of persistent lobar collapse and severe pneumonia.
- The case emphasizes the need for bronchoscopy in diagnosing non-resolving lung conditions in adults.

## Abstract

Foreign body aspiration is uncommon in adults and may present without a clear aspiration history. We describe an adult patient with persistent lobar collapse and severe pneumonia in whom bronchoscopy revealed an occult endobronchial foreign body causing airway obstruction.

An adult patient with persistent lobar collapse and severe pneumonia was found to have an occult endobronchial foreign body on bronchoscopy. This case highlights the importance of considering foreign body aspiration in adults with non‐resolving pneumonia or unexplained lobar collapse.