Citation

Pham CXQ, Graves C, Uttaburanont M, Singh KP, Witkos M. Clin. Pract. Cases Emerg. Med. 2021; 5(4): 419-421.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Irvine)

DOI

10.5811/cpcem.2021.6.52944

PMID

34813433

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hydrogen peroxide is a common oxidizing agent that if ingested may cause injury to the gastrointestinal tract or embolic events. Although therapy is primarily supportive, gastric perforation is a rare but serious complication of corrosive ingestion that may require surgical treatment.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 77-year-old male who presented for nausea and vomiting after accidentally ingesting approximately 150 milliliters of 35% hydrogen peroxide. Computed tomography revealed gastric pneumatosis and extensive portal venous air. The patient was admitted for observation with plans for endoscopy; however, due to the limitations of our small community hospital, he was transferred to a tertiary care center due to concern for a potential gastric perforation.

CONCLUSION: The presence of portal venous air as a result of peroxide ingestion may be treated conservatively depending on presenting symptoms; however, severe injury such as gastrointestinal perforation may necessitate surgical intervention.

Language: en