Citation

Franke DDH, Davis EG, Woods DR, Johnson RK, Miller FB, Franklin GA, Jortani SA. J. Emerg. Med. 2011; 40(3): 276-279.

Affiliation

Forensic Toxicology Program, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.12.030

PMID

19111425

Abstract

Background: Acids account for 20% of all chemical exposures through various routes. Caustic acids such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acid are common ingredients in many household and industrial products. Due to the corrosive properties of these substances, tissue injury caused by oral exposure can lead to severe esophageal and gastrointestinal burns. Case Report: We report a case of a patient presenting with severe acidosis, who required multiple laparoscopic evaluations to assess various gastrointestinal tract injuries and who ultimately underwent total gastrectomy. The diagnosis was made primarily based on the arterial blood gas and esophagogastroduodenoscopy findings, as well as the pathological examinations of various biopsied and resected tissues showing hemorrhagic necrosis of the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. This patient eventually admitted to having ingested an unspecified amount of battery acid. Conclusions: Collaborative efforts by Emergency Medicine, Pathology, and General Surgery services are required for timely diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients after caustic acid exposures.

Language: en