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Published on: January 17, 2011
Esophageal perforation associated with noninvasive ventilation: a case report
Andry Van de Louw1, Elsa Brocas, Richard Boiteau
1Service de réanimation polyvalente, Hôpital Louise Michel, Centre Hospitalier Sud Francilien, Evry Cedex, France. a.vandelouw@infonie.fr
Chest
|November 12, 2002
Summary
Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) can help avoid tracheal intubation for respiratory failure. However, a rare case shows NIPPV can lead to fatal esophageal perforation.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is a common treatment for acute respiratory failure, aiming to prevent tracheal intubation and its associated complications.
- While generally safe and effective in reducing intubation rates, morbidity, and mortality in specific patient groups, potential adverse events require ongoing vigilance.
Observation:
- This report details a rare and fatal case of esophageal perforation.
- The complication occurred in a patient following a surgical procedure while receiving NIPPV.
Findings:
- Esophageal perforation, a known risk of tracheal intubation, has not been previously documented with NIPPV.
- This case highlights a potentially fatal, previously undescribed complication of NIPPV.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for esophageal perforation as a rare complication of NIPPV.
- Further investigation may be warranted to understand the mechanisms and risk factors for NIPPV-associated esophageal injury.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
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01:23Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
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Negative-Pressure Ventilators
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01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
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Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
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01:14Ventilatory Modes
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01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations: