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Calcium multimineral complex induced esophageal stricture.
Russell Wardlaw1, David Victor, Jacob Feagans
1Department of Gastroenterology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
Ochsner Journal
|May 24, 2011
Summary
Pill-induced esophageal injury from calcium tablets is under-recognized. A case report details a severe esophageal stricture caused by a calcium tablet impaction, emphasizing proper medication guidance.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pill-induced esophageal injury is an under-recognized clinical issue.
- Commonly implicated medications include NSAIDs, antibiotics, and bisphosphonates.
- Symptoms typically resolve after medication cessation.
Observation:
- An elderly woman experienced prolonged impaction of a calcium tablet in the upper esophagus.
- She broke a large, non-prescription calcium tablet in half before ingestion.
- This resulted in the development of a severe esophageal stricture.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of esophageal stricture due to an impacted calcium tablet.
- The calcium tablet contained primarily calcium and other minerals.
- The impaction led to a prolonged and severe esophageal injury.
Implications:
- Highlights the risk of esophageal injury from calcium supplements, which are widely recommended.
- Underscores the importance of proper patient instruction and caution when taking medications, especially large pills.
- Emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and management of suspected pill impaction to prevent complications like strictures.
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