Extra Oxygen Leads to Bubble Trouble: Portal Vein Gas Embolism from 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Ingestion
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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

3-Dimensional Resin Casting and Imaging of Mouse Portal Vein or Intrahepatic Bile Duct System
Published on: October 25, 2012
Joowhan Sung1, Francesca Cossarini1, Leonidas Palaiodimos1
1Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/ Jacobi Medical Center.
Abstract:
Hydrogen peroxide ingestion can cause gastric irritation and gas embolism; however, most reported cases are from the highly concentrated (≥35%) solution used in the industry and data on household-used 3% solution ingestion is scarce. We report a case of a portal vein gas embolism after ingestion of 3% hydrogen peroxide. The patient was managed conservatively with antacids and improved in 48 hours. Endoscopy and hyperbaric treatment were considered but not pursued. This is the fifth reported case of gas embolism after 3% hydrogen peroxide ingestion and stands in line with other reports where the patients improved with conservative management.
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