Adult Laryngeal Coin Impaction Presenting With Isolated Dysphonia: A Report of a Rare Case

TL;DR

A rare case of a coin lodged in an adult's larynx caused only voice changes, emphasizing the need for careful diagnosis of such uncommon conditions.

Contribution

This report highlights an unusual adult case of laryngeal coin impaction with minimal symptoms and a sagittal orientation.

Findings

The foreign body was impacted between the true vocal cords in a sagittal orientation.

The patient presented with isolated dysphonia without typical airway symptoms like dyspnea or stridor.

The case underscores the importance of considering laryngeal foreign bodies even in asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic adults.

Abstract

Impaction of a foreign body in the larynx is commonly seen in children but remains a rare occurrence in adults. Laryngeal impaction, particularly of a coin, is exceedingly uncommon and carries a potential risk of airway compromise. Prompt history taking, clinical examination, and radiographic evaluation are essential for diagnosis. We report a rare case of an adult male with a laryngeal coin impacted sagittally between the true vocal cords, presenting solely with isolated dysphonia and without dyspnea or stridor. This case is atypical due to adult presentation, minimal symptoms despite glottic involvement, and sagittal orientation of the foreign body, highlighting the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for laryngeal foreign bodies, even when airway symptoms are minimal.

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