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Pneumatic perforation of the esophagus in children
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rambam Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|December 1, 1992
Insights
Excessive pressure from a carbonated drink bottle, released by biting, caused a pharyngeal perforation in an 11-year-old boy. This case highlights a rare but serious injury mechanism from pressurized beverage containers.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Trauma
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Carbonated beverages are commonly consumed globally.
- Plastic bottles containing these beverages can build up significant internal pressure.
- Accidental or intentional release of this pressure can pose risks.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old boy sustained a lower pharyngeal perforation.
- The injury occurred subsequent to releasing the pressure from a carbonated beverage plastic bottle using his teeth.
- This mechanism of injury is uncommon.
Findings:
- The excessive internal pressure within the plastic bottle, when released via dental force, led to the pharyngeal perforation.
- A potential mechanism involving rapid pressure release and tissue trauma is proposed.
- This highlights the biomechanical forces that can be generated.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider pressurized beverage containers as a potential cause of pharyngeal injuries, especially in pediatric cases.
- Awareness of this injury mechanism is important for patient education and prevention strategies.
- Further investigation into the biomechanics of bottle pressure release is warranted.
Abstract:
The excessive pressure in a carbonated beverage-containing plastic bottle, released by the teeth of an 11-year old boy, caused perforation of his lower pharynx. The possible mechanism is discussed.