Closeup, magnified examination finds barbecue brush bristle base of tongue
Pain in throat (1 of 4)
While eating barbecued steak, this person felt a sharp pain deep in her throat. At this visit the next day, she continued to feel a sharp sensation, especially when swallowing. Note the faint dark line at the arrow.
Closer view (2 of 4)
From a slightly closer vantage, the abnormality is seen better.
Bristle identified (3 of 4)
At even closer range, the bristle is identified.
Bristle to be removed (4 of 4)
At this final view, the metallic nature of the foreign body and stuck-on carbonaceous debris can be appreciated. This bristle was removed with cup forceps through a channel scope in an office setting.
Pills can get Stuck and Burn
Superficial ulceration (1 of 4)
Superficial ulceration of post-arytenoid and -cricoid mucosa, where a pill was lodged in her throat. It took several hours to melt it with many sips of water; a sore throat ensued.
Inflamed pyriform (2 of 4)
Closer view. Note inflammatory reaction in left pyriform (right of photo) and left arytenoid (right of photo) apical mucosa (arrow and 'X', respectively).
Oropharyngeal dysphagia (3 of 4)
After blue-stained applesauce, this residue confirms that the patient has mild oropharyngeal dysphagia.
Hypopharyngeal crescent (4 of 4)
After blue-stained water pools in an organized way in the hypopharyngeal crescent, the question of cricopharyngeus muscle dysfunction (non-relaxation) is raised, but not yet confirmed.
