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Progressive roentgenographic appearance of caustic esophagitis
Y M Chen1, D J Ott, J N Thompson
1Department of Radiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
Southern Medical Journal
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Accidental alkali ingestion can cause moderate caustic esophagitis, leading to esophageal atony and eventual strictures. This study tracked progressive roentgenographic changes in patients following such injuries.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Caustic esophagitis results from ingesting corrosive substances.
- Alkali ingestion is a common cause of severe esophageal injury.
- Understanding the long-term radiological consequences is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the progressive roentgenographic changes in patients with caustic esophagitis following alkali ingestion.
- To identify early and late radiological findings associated with caustic esophageal injury.
Main Methods:
- Case series of five patients with accidental liquid alkali ingestion.
- Initial endoscopic examination to assess esophagitis severity.
- Serial roentgenographic (radiological) examinations to monitor esophageal changes over time.
Main Results:
- Early findings included esophageal atony and poor distension.
- All patients developed esophageal strictures between 13 and 44 days post-ingestion.
- Intramural pseudodiverticula and esophageal diverticula were observed in some patients weeks to a year later.
Conclusions:
- Moderate caustic esophagitis from alkali ingestion is associated with initial esophageal dilatation, atony, and peristaltic abnormalities.
- Progressive radiological changes include the development of esophageal strictures, pseudodiverticula, and diverticula.
- Long-term monitoring is essential to manage the sequelae of caustic esophageal injury.