Lung Abscess Secondary to Esophageal Foreign Body

The case reported here is one in which a foreign body in the esophagus resulted in a right lung abscess. Interest here centers on the unusual nature of the foreign body and the extraordinarily long period it was allowed to remain in the esophageal lumen even though it was producing symptoms throughout this period. The various factors involved are discussed, also the somewhat peculiar fact that the lung abscess was on the right, resulting from external pressure on the right main bronchus.