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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
10:11
Microdialysis of Ethanol During Operant Ethanol Self-administration and Ethanol Determination by Gas Chromatography
Published on: September 5, 2012
Self-administered ethanol enema causing accidental death
Thomas Peterson1, Landen Rentmeester2, Bryan S Judge2
1College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
Case Reports in Emergency Medicine
|December 2, 2014
Summary
Rectal administration of ethanol, while bypassing liver metabolism, can lead to rapid intoxication. This case report details a fatal outcome from a wine enema due to acute ethanol poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Forensic Pathology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Excessive ethanol consumption is a major cause of preventable death in the US.
- Rectal ethanol absorption circumvents first-pass metabolism, increasing blood alcohol concentration and CNS depression risk.
- Accidental deaths from rectal ethanol administration are rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of fatal acute ethanol intoxication via rectal administration.
- To highlight the potential dangers of ethanol enemas, even when accidental death is uncommon.
Main Methods:
- Case report analysis.
- Review of clinical and forensic findings related to acute ethanol toxicity.
Main Results:
- The deceased individual exhibited signs of acute ethanol intoxication.
- Ethanol was absorbed rectally via a wine enema, leading to a high blood alcohol concentration.
- This resulted in a fatal outcome attributed to acute ethanol poisoning.
Conclusions:
- Rectal administration of ethanol can lead to rapid and potentially fatal intoxication.
- This case underscores the severe risks associated with ethanol enemas, particularly in individuals with klismaphilia.
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