Citation

Singh SP, Misra D, Panigrahi MK, Kar IB, Meher C. Trop. Gastroenterol. 2014; 35(1): 44-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Charaka Publishing House)

DOI

10.7869/tg.163

PMID

25276906

Abstract

Caustic ingestion can produce progressive and devastating injury to the esophagus and stomach. Although most patients survive the acute injury, the reparative process can result in esophageal and/or gastric stenosis and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Button batteries contain high concentrations of sodium and potassium hydroxide and can cause severe injuries. Milder injuries are usually caused by less potent agents such as sodium carbonate, ammonium hydroxide and bleaches.

Although metallic sodium is known to produce esophageal burns, an extensive literature search failed to yield any case of esophageal burns produced by ingestion of elemental sodium. To the best of our knowledge, we describe here the first reported case of esophageal burns leading to stricture formation following ingestion of elemental sodium. We also review the relevant but scant literature on sodium metal ingestion.

Language: en