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The lower esophagus and glucagon
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Intravenous glucagon rapidly and safely relieved a lower esophageal bolus impaction in a 54-year-old woman. This case report highlights an underutilized therapeutic application of glucagon.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Esophageal bolus impaction is a common emergency.
- Various endoscopic and non-endoscopic methods exist for management.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old woman presented with lower esophageal bolus impaction.
- Symptoms were rapidly and safely resolved following intravenous glucagon administration.
Findings:
- Intravenous glucagon effectively relaxed the lower esophageal sphincter.
- This led to the prompt dislodgement of the esophageal bolus.
Implications:
- Glucagon represents a safe and effective alternative treatment for esophageal bolus impaction.
- Further investigation into glucagon's role in gastrointestinal motility disorders is warranted.