sodium-hypochlorite and Esophagitis

A 69-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department 3 hours after ingestion of a bleaching agent containing hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide in a suicide attempt. Enhanced chest computed tomography scans taken on admission indicated an edematous esophagus and air bubbles in the mediastinum. He underwent endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation until day 9 because of laryngeal edema. On day 10, his endoscopy indicated diffuse reddish mucosal hyperemia, erosions, and lacerated mucosal lesions in the esophagus that were indicative of grade 2b corrosive esophagitis. Treatment with a proton pump inhibitor was initiated, with which the condition of the esophagus improved, and on day 44, a slight stricture of the upper part of the esophagus was observed. He was discharged on day 64 without any complaints. The ingestion of sodium hypochlorite induces corrosive esophagitis and acute phase of gastritis. Ingestion of any corrosive agent is known as a risk factor for esophagus cancer in the long-term. In such cases with esophageal stricture, esophagectomy is recommended for preventing esophagus cancer. Considering the age of the patient, however, he did not undergo esophagectomy.

Topics: Aged; Bleaching Agents; Esophagitis; Esophagoscopy; Esophagus; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Respiration, Artificial; Sodium Hydroxide; Sodium Hypochlorite; Suicide, Attempted; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

The severity of alkaline esophagitis due to sodium hypochlorite ingestion is variable and the findings of endoscope within 48 hours of ingestion are reported to be associated with its prognosis. We report a good recovery case of grade 2B of alkaline esophagitis, which was treated with close observation. The patient was 59-year old man. He was found lying on the bed by his wife, after drinking bactericidal agents (Jianok) and kitchen cleaner (Magiclean) for suicide attempt. After his trachea was intubated, he underwent upper gastrointestinal scope, which displayed circumferential ulcers at the lower esophagus. He was diagnosed as having a Grade 2B alkaline esophagitis, which was associated with a higher probability of stricture or perforation. On the 14th day of the admission, the 2nd endoscope was performed and no esophageal strictures were detected. He was extubated and started oral feeding on the 15th day. After that, his hospital course was uneventful and was discharged on the 18th day. 6 months have passed since he left hospital. No esophageal strictures were detected so far.

Topics: Esophageal Stenosis; Esophagitis; Esophagoscopy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sodium Hypochlorite; Suicide, Attempted; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Two patients with corrosive esophagitis caused by alkaline household agents were examined with endoscopic ultrasound using a 20-MHz probe. In the first case, endoscopic ultrasound revealed circumferentially thickened mucosa and muscularis propria, and lack of differentiation between the mucosa and submucosa. However, esophageal stricture did not develop during 3 months of follow-up, suggesting that the deep lesion may have involved a narrow section of esophagus only. In the second case, a markedly thickened mucosa was seen, resulting in no sequelae. Endoscopic ultrasound offers a more accurate evaluation of the depth of the lesions in alkaline esophagitis compared to standard endoscopy or computed tomography. Longitudinal studies are needed to identify lesions at greatest risk for progression to stricture.

Topics: Adult; Burns, Chemical; Caustics; Endosonography; Esophagitis; Esophagus; Female; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidants; Sodium Hydroxide; Sodium Hypochlorite; Suicide, Attempted