Liquid nitrogen ingestion followed by gastric perforation.
Ingestion of liquid nitrogen is rare but carries catastrophic complications related to barotrauma to the gastrointestinal tract. We describe a case of ingestion of liquid nitrogen followed by gastric perforation and respiratory insufficiency and discuss the mechanism of injury and management of this condition. Liquid nitrogen is widely available and is frequently used in classroom settings, in gastronomy, and for recreational purposes. Given the potentially lethal complications of ingestion, regulation of its use, acquisition, and storage may be appropriate.
Berrizbeitia
Luis D
LD
Section of Thoracic, University Medical Center at Princeton, Princeton, NJ, USA. ldberriz@ctsx.net
Calello
Diane P
DP
Dhir
Nisha
N
O'Reilly
Colin
C
Marcus
Steven
S
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005774:Gastrostomy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D008297:Male; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013270:Stomach / Q000293:injuries*; D013275:Stomach Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices
D009584:Nitrogen