PMC5804329_01
Two-dimensional axial (a, b), coronal (c), and sagittal (d) CT images and 3-dimensional coronal (e) and sagittal (f) reformats show a low density linear structure on the 2-dimensional images (white arrow) which is outlined in red on the 3-dimensional images. It is imbedded within the retropharyngeal soft tissues and extends from the level of the oropharynx through the hypopharynx to the right lateral extrapharyngeal soft tissues (black arrow). There is a linear gap at the end of the foreign body which represents the opening within the toothbrush handle (arrow (g)).
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fig1
Reconstructed 3D images showed a uniform mass consistent with a foreign body (Figure 1). The length corresponded exactly to the length of the foreign body on the CT (Figure 1).
Photograph obtained during direct laryngoscopy showing fullness of the posterior right oropharynx and hypopharynx (arrow).
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fig2
Swelling of the right posterior oropharynx and hypopharynx was noted (Figure 2).
After raising subplatysmal flaps and entering a fibrous capsule, the toothbrush handle was visualized (arrow).
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fig3
The mass was easily palpated overlying the right thyroid ala, and blunt dissection allowed entry into the fibrous capsule surrounding the foreign body (Figure 3).