Question

Correct statement regarding esophageal foreign body (FB):

• A. Right main bronchus is one of the sites of constriction
• B. Most common site of impaction is cricopharyngeus
• C. Commonly seen in adults
• D. Can’t cause mediastinitis

Hint:

The cricopharyngeus muscle is a common site for esophageal foreign body impaction, especially in children.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The correct statement regarding esophageal foreign body (FB) is that the most common site of impaction is the cricopharyngeus. The cricopharyngeus muscle, which is part of the upper esophageal sphincter, acts as a constriction point in the esophagus and is a common site where foreign bodies tend to become lodged. This is because this segment is anatomically narrow, making it a likely arrest point for ingested objects.

Here is a concise evaluation of the options given:

• Right main bronchus is one of the sites of constriction: This statement relates to the bronchial tree rather than the esophagus. The right main bronchus is not a site of esophageal constriction.
• Commonly seen in adults: While esophageal foreign bodies can occur in adults, they are more common in children due to accidental ingestion of objects.
• Can’t cause mediastinitis: This statement is incorrect. An esophageal foreign body can lead to perforation, which may result in mediastinitis, an inflammation of the mediastinum.