Pen Cap Hidden 7 Years: Girl Loses Lung Part

A decade-old girl experienced a prolonged medical ordeal spanning over seven years due to a pen cap lodged near her left lower lobe bronchus. Her symptoms, including a persistent cough and unexplained weight loss, were repeatedly misdiagnosed by various clinicians. Initially treated for suspected infectious diseases with antibiotics, she was later put on presumptive TB treatment despite negative sputum tests.

Further consultations led to an asthma diagnosis, with doctors prescribing inhalers. However, her condition did not improve, prompting further investigation. A pulmonologist suspected an external foreign body after a CT scan showed a collapsed lung. Subsequent bronchoscopy revealed the deeply embedded pen cap, requiring a complex removal procedure involving an ENT team.

Although the pen cap was successfully removed, irreversible tissue damage from chronic infection necessitated the surgical removal of approximately one-third of the girl's left lung. While she is expected to lead a normal life, the incident highlights a significant clinical oversight that nearly cost her life. The family has incurred substantial medical expenses throughout the lengthy diagnostic and treatment process.