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Esophageal Perforation Due to a Calcium Supplement Tablet
Michael K Zijlstra1, Robert I Silvers2, Claus J Fimmel3
1Department of Medicine, University of Chicago (NorthShore) Program, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Case Reports in Gastroenterology
|August 11, 2022
Summary
Pill-induced esophagitis from calcium supplements is rare. A case report details a 60-year-old female experiencing esophageal perforation and subsequent complications after taking a single calcium-containing bone supplement.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Pill-induced esophagitis is a recognized adverse effect of medications.
- Calcium supplements are generally considered safe but can cause local irritation.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old female presented with severe symptoms after ingesting a single over-the-counter bone supplement tablet.
- The tablet contained a high concentration of calcium.
Findings:
- The patient developed pill-induced esophageal perforation.
- Complications included a mediastinal abscess and an esophago-pleural fistula.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for serious esophageal injury from calcium supplements, even with single-dose ingestion.
- Clinicians should be aware of this rare but severe complication when recommending or prescribing calcium supplements.
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