The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume 30, Issue 4 , Pages 403-406, May 2006

Hemorrhagic gastritis and gas emboli after ingesting 3% hydrogen peroxide

  • Jeong Mi Moon, MD

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint Address: Jeong Mi Moon, md, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, 160 Ilsimri, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun Jeollanam-do, 519-809, South Korea
    • ,
  • Byeong Jo Chun, MD
    • ,
  • Yong Il Min, MD

Department of Emergency Medicine, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital and Chonnam Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea

Received 5 November 2004; received in revised form 9 March 2005; accepted 25 May 2005.

Abstract 

It is well known that ingestion of low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide is usually nontoxic; this does not produce gas embolism and is only a mild irritant to the gastrointestinal tract. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who ingested one mouthful of 3% hydrogen peroxide and presented to the Emergency Department with persistent vomiting and epigastric pain. The radiographic evaluation found portal venous gas emboli. In addition, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy performed 2 h after ingestion revealed diffuse hemorrhagic gastritis. She showed a decrease of hemoglobin concentration and a positive test result for occult blood in stool. She was observed for 14 days and discharged. Follow-up endoscopy showed erythematous gastritis. This case illustrates that a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide can cause portal venous gas embolism and severe gastrointestinal injuries even if only a small amount is ingested.

Keywords:  hydrogen peroxide , gas embolism , gastritis , upper gastrointestinal bleeding , endoscopy

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

 Selected Topics: Toxicology is coordinated by Kenneth Kulig, md, of Denver, Colorado

PII: S0736-4679(06)00071-0

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2005.05.036

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume 30, Issue 4 , Pages 403-406, May 2006

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution