Total Gastrointestinal Tract Necrosis After Ingesting a Considerable Amount of Hydrochloric Acid

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) scan showed significant free air in the neck, lateral esophagus, and abdominal cavity, which indicated perforation of the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the abdominal CT image showed splenic subcapsular hematorna and swollen pancreatic head caused by strong acid causis. We found the entire gastrointestinal tract from stomach to rectum necrosis in the emergency exploratory laparotomy. Our case suggests that ingestion of a considerable amount (e.g., 500 mL) and concentration of strong acid could result in total gastrointestinal tract necrosis. Emergency laparotomy should be performed as early as possible to benefit this kind of patient.

Isolated Full Thickness Jejunal Necrosis Following Sulphuric Acid Cocktail Ingestion – A Clinical Case Report—Isolated Corrosive Jejunal Necrosis

“…In the present case dilution of acid with alcohol has lead to a significant corrosive injury to the proximal jejunum rather when compared to the oesophagus or the stomach. However it has been reported that strong acids when taken in considerable amount can lead to injury beyond the stomach causing extensive necrosis of the small intestine and colon [5,6].…”

“…The site, extent and intensity of damage depend on the multiple factors related to the caustic agent, duration of contact and the victim [4]. Concomitant acid injury of the lower gastrointestinal tract is a rare occurrence due to acid induced pylorospasm with consequent gastric pooling, and neutralizing effect of the bile [1,[5][6][7]. However, isolated necrosis of the lower gastrointestinal tract with relative sparing of the proximal gastrointestinal tract is extremely rare with limited reports [2,4,5].…”