title: Iatrogenic intubation injuries of the upper gastrointestinal tract in adults.
abstract: Perforation of the hypopharynx, esophagus, and stomach complicated the insertion of flexible tubes in 11 adults. Nasogastric suction tubes were responsible for 5 instances of gastric perforation. Palliative intubation of obstructive carcinomas of the distal esophagus resulted in delayed perforation of the esophagus and stomach in 2 cases. The use of a Linton tube for decompression of bleeding varices caused esophageal rupture in 1 patient whereas 2 others developed pharyngoesophageal perforation due to misplaced endotracheal tubes. The remaining 1 case demonstrated penetration of a chest tube into the esophageal lumen. The radiographic features and mechanisms of these iatrogenic injuries are described and the pertinent literature is reviewed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D011859:Radiography; D013270:Stomach / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*