Liquid nitrogen ingestion followed by gastric perforation

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2010 Jan;26(1):48-50. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e3181cd14b3.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Barotrauma / complications*
  • Barotrauma / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastrostomy / methods
  • Humans
  • Laparotomy
  • Male
  • Nitrogen / administration & dosage
  • Nitrogen / adverse effects*
  • Stomach / injuries*
  • Stomach Rupture / diagnosis
  • Stomach Rupture / etiology*
  • Stomach Rupture / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Trauma Severity Indices

Substances

  • Nitrogen