Conclusion
Pediatric cinnamon aspiration leading to severe respiratory failure
requiring ECMO has not been previously reported. In our case, we
supported the patient with VV-ECMO to allow the lungs to recover while
providing repeated directed bronchoalveolar lavages with surfactant
administration. The short-term functional outcome at 6 months appears to
be good, but our patient needs ongoing evaluations for long-term
sequelae. Aspects of our approach warrant consideration when treating
severe respiratory failure from the aspiration of cinnamon and similar
agents.